SpaceX’s internet service uses advanced satellites to deliver the highest performance and lowest latency.
Discover the best rural internet providers for you
Find unique solutions for unique rural internet needs
Top rural internet providers
There are more rural internet options than ever. From satellite internet to 5G wireless, there's a solution for everyone. Our job is to help you understand pricing, speeds, data, and more so you can make the best decision for the most value.
Hughesnet offers budget-friendly satellite internet plans, with reduced pricing for the first year of service.
Viasat internet offers an unlimited, month-to-month plan with decent speeds available virtually anywhere in the U.S.
T-Mobile has the largest 5G network, which extends to its home internet service, delivering signal no matter how remote you live.
Verizon’s 5G internet service can deliver speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, with coverage across most of the U.S.
AT&T keeps things simple by offering one 5G home internet plan with straightforward pricing and no contract.
Earthlink works to determine the best type of connection for your rural home, whether it's fixed-wireless, fiber, or satellite.
Amazon’s upcoming satellite internet service aims to deliver reliable, high-speed internet using advanced technology, leveraging AWS.
Things to consider when picking a rural internet provider
How much do you use the internet on a daily basis?
How large is your household, and does everyone also use the internet?
Do you need speed and data for web browsing, streaming, working from home, online gaming, etc.?
Internet tech types explained
Satellite internet
The most widely available internet connection. Utilizes orbiting satellites to bridge customers to the internet.
5G, fixed-wireless internet
A wireless connection using cellular signals. Widely available anywhere cell service is available.
Cable/DSL
Traditional internet connections that use previously built infrastructure, like coaxial cable or phone lines. Widely available, but speeds are limited.
Fiber
The fastest and most reliable connection to date, which uses specialized cable to transmit data. Requires new infrastructure, which limits availability.
The best satellite internet providers
Satellite internet is the most widely available way to get online and among the most popular choices for rural connectivity. It's available to 99 percent of the U.S. and can even be taken with you on the move. Get reliable internet from the stars no matter how far off the grid you call home. It's still an emerging technology, so let us help you choose the right service for the right value.
Price Range per mo. | Contract | Speed Range | ||
 | $55–$130 | Not required | 100-400 Mbps | View plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39.99-$94.99 | 2-year commitment for most plans | 25-100 Mbps |
Check Availability
|
| $69.99-$199.99 | Varies by 0-24 mos. per plan | 12-150 Mbps | View Plans |
Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
The best 5G internet providers
While traditional internet types like cable, DSL, and now fiber require tremendous investment and physical infrastructure, wireless 5G thrives in rural locations. Using the same mobile networks that make our mobile phones work, 5G is now being used for home internet. No wires necessary. 5G home internet is widely available, but not everywhere, and performance is dependent on your location.
Provider | Price | Data | Download speed | Learn more |
| $35.00–$55.00/mo. w/AutoPlay & voice line, fees & taxes | Unlimited | Up to 498Mbps average | View Plans | |
| $35.00–$80.00/mo. w/ Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans | Unlimited*** | Up to 1,000Mbps | View Plans | |
| $55.00/mo. | Unlimited | 75—225Mbps | View Plans | |
| $39.95-$159.95 | Unlimited | 18-5000 Mbps | View Plans |
With a 12 month contract.
What’s the right internet solution for you?
Satellite internet can be used anywhere in the country, but higher prices and inconsistent reliability means it may not be for everyone. Enter your zip code to compare all the options in your area.
We're experts in everything satellite and wireless
We do rigorous research on internet options, especially for rural and underserved areas, to help you make the smartest choices for your home, business, or travel lifestyle.
Rural internet
Are you living the homesteading and rural lifestyle? No matter how remote you call home, we can help you find the right internet service for your family, farm, or business.
RV/Mobile internet
Do you prefer sleeping under the night sky or cruising the country in your home-on-wheels? Whether you need to be able to stream your shows or work on the road, we have reliable internet solutions for you.
Low-cost internet options
Getting reliable internet in certain living situations and lifestyles can be challenging but not impossible. We’ll help you pick the best option for you and your family because everyone should be able to get online.
Troubleshooting
Is it taking ages for a webpage to load? Tired of waiting for your shows to buffer? Let us lend you our years of experience to improve your internet quality.
Trending articles
Satellite internet technology is evolving daily, so we stay on top of the latest developments that affect your service.
Rural internet FAQ
Latency is the measurement of time it takes for data to travel between a user’s endpoint (your computer or phone) to a destination on the internet (website, streaming service, online game). It’s measured in milliseconds.
Latency is relevant to rural internet users because most solutions, such as satellite and fixed-wireless, tend to have higher-than-average latency, making them seem slower and less responsive.
When shopping for an internet provider, look for solutions and plans with low latency.
Heavy weather can interfere with satellite and wireless internet solutions. Rain, snow, or heavy cloud cover weakens signals, but technology is improving to prevent complete outages.
Geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite services utilize a handful of satellites in high orbit to deliver an internet signal to a wide area. However, this technology suffers from high latency internet due to the distance data must travel.
There are thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. They orbit much closer to the planet, so they have less broadcast range, but they make up for this with their numbers. They also have lower latency, making for a more responsive internet signal. Learn more about how satellite internet works.
Most rural internet providers either lease equipment or include it in the cost of your plan.
There are a few exceptions in which providers give you the option to purchase equipment outright or require it. An example is Starlink, which has a rental option in certain places, but typically sells its dishes and routers for up to $349.
The only nationwide program currently available is Lifeline. It’s a federal program that gives qualifying households up to a $9.25 discount on their monthly internet subscription from select providers.
Households on Tribal lands can qualify for a $34.95 discount. Learn more about qualifications here.
Some states and individual providers offer programs for low-income households, so when shopping, be sure to ask whether any are available and how to qualify.
Fortunately, it doesn’t require that much speed to stream on most platforms. We recommend at least 40Mbps for HD video streaming, especially if you have a household with multiple people streaming.
The optimal speed is at least 100Mbps if you want 4K streaming and multiple devices in the home using the internet. Also, look for low-latency internet to avoid constant streaming buffering.
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