Are you someone living in the countryside? Being away from all the hustle bustle of the city culture and staying connected to simplicity and nature does have its perks. The cost of living is relatively low, the food is organic, the life is tranquil and fulfilling, I mean who doesn’t want all that right?
However, there is one major downside to all this peace that keeps the ruralites apart from the urbanites is high-speed internet in rural areas. A few decades ago, the internet may not have seemed to be so relevant back then, thus the people then didn’t take it very seriously. Unfortunately, in the technological era that we live in now, imagining a life without the internet is close to impossible. What’s worse is that where rural communities till today still struggle with gaining access to high speed internet, the city folks are way ahead of time in terms of technological advancements due to the internet.
Fear not, certain ISPs like Wavenet have taken up this mission to improve the rural lives to the best they can. This guide will help you get high speed internet with all the available options out there. Stay tuned!
Understanding the Challenges
Before we dive into the details, let’s first quickly talk about the major challenges that rural areas face in achieving high-speed internet access.
Geographical Barriers
Due to difficult terrains in rural areas, laying down the infrastructure needed for traditional wired internet is rather more complicated than you can imagine.
Low Density Population
Since the population in the rural areas is pretty dense, ISPs prefer offering their services to urban areas so they can target a bigger audience and at a lower cost per customer.
Limited Competition
Limited ISP choices in the rural areas lead to higher prices which can be hefty on the pockets. Not to mention the low quality internet services, hence the struggle for high-speed internet in rural areas.
Satellite Internet
A rather more accessible internet service option for rural areas in none other than satellite internet. How does it work you ask? Well, the name says it all, a satellite orbiting the Earth beams internet signals directly to a dish, no it has nothing to do with food. This is a satellite dish installed most likely on the rooftop of your house.
Pros
- No matter how far off you live, satellite internet has a wide coverage that can reach any location with ease.
- While ensuring a competitive market, the availability of satellite internet is expanding rapidly.
Cons
- Since the travel distance from the satellite in space is and the satellite dish is very, very long, a delay in signals can be expected. This disrupts real-time activities such as video calls and gaming. A long distance relationship gone wrong.
- Unforeseen weather circumstances can cause hindrance in internet signals.
Broadband Wireless Internet
Since satellite internet can be a long shot, a broadband wireless internet is a more practical and excellent option for high-speed internet in rural areas. Broadband internet uses radio signals to catch the internet. This is done when a small router with an antenna is installed in your home and then it communicates with a nearby tower.
Pros
- Broadband internet has lower latency as compared to satellite internet.
- Broadband internet offers reasonable speeds comparable to DSl and sometimes even cable.
Cons
- A clear line of sight to the tower is needed which is easily obstructed by hills, buildings and trees
- Not all rural areas can have access to broadband service.
4G and 5G services
If you are someone who is always on the go or you are in an area where broadband connection is unavailable, then owning a mobile broadband is a great alternative. A small portable battery operated router is connected to an existing 4G or 5G network via a SIM card, in other words a cellphone.
Pros
- Best option for people who are always traveling
- The setup process is a piece of cake, just attach a SIM card to your phone.
Cons
- Mobile broadband plans come with limited data which can be restrictive.
- The quality of connection entirely depends on the strength and coverage of mobile networks in your area.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber Optic internet is also called “pipeline for light” where light carries the data via fine glass or strands of plastic fibers tied up together in a secured plastic/glass casing. Fiber optic internet is loved by most people due to its efficiency and high speed.
There are two types of fiber, single-mode fiber used for longer distances. It offers slower but a stable connection whereas multimode fiber is used for smaller distances and it offers faster speed but slower signals.
Pros
- Fiber optics is the only one that offers high speed internet service which is ideal for high bandwidth activities.
- The interference is a lot less compared to other internet technologies.
Cons
- Great things come with great costs, while fiber optics can offer high-speed internet in rural areas, at the same time installing fiber cables is not only time consuming but also expensive.
- Fiber optics is not easily available in every region.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Not all hope is lost, you may want to consider another option called the DSL. This option also promises high-speed internet service using telephone lines. As compared to fast cables or fibers it may not be as fast but it definitely is a reliable and effective option yet affordable.
Pros
- It is much affordable to setup as compared to other connections
- The setup is a lot simpler than it seems.
Cons
- DSL does not work with many users at the same time.
- The internet connection worsens as you move further away.
Conclusion
The only way to solve this problem required a combination of technological solutions and community efforts. No matter what option you go for to gain access to high speed internet in your rural community, you need to take the initiative to voice your concerns.
Government programs and community initiatives can play a major role in bridging the digital divide. So why wait further more?
