Your Guide to the Internet in Remote Areas

Living in the country and off the grid brings freedom, self-reliance and a slower lifestyle that’s closer to nature, but it doesn’t have to mean cutting ties with the modern world. Whether you or your family are running a business, streaming favorite shows, videochatting with friends and family or taking online classes, internet access in rural areas has become more important and accessible than ever.

Gone are the days of unreliable dial-up internet — or no connection at all. With satellite, cellular and community-based solutions, you can enjoy the tranquility of rural living while staying connected to the wider world.

Satellite Internet

With the internet beamed from space, it’s possible to live miles away from the nearest town and still stream movies and browse social media, relying solely on a dish installed on your property that communicates with satellites orbiting above Earth.

Satellite internet is available in virtually any location, making it the best choice if you live in the middle of nowhere. It’s also relatively easy to set up. With most systems, all you need is a clear view of the sky.

There are some challenges, though. While satellite internet is available nearly everywhere, it’s not perfect. Latency, or the time it takes data to travel to space and back, can affect data-heavy and time-sensitive tasks like video calls and gaming. And weather can be a problem too. Storms can leave you temporarily disconnected, so it’s smart to have a backup option, like cellular, if you can.

Pro tip: To minimize disruptions, mount the satellite dish in a location with no obstructions, like trees or hills. In winter, regularly clear snow and debris.

Cellular Internet

If you’ve ever used your phone as a hotspot, you already know the basics of cellular internet. It turns your smartphone into a lifeline, letting you connect through long-term evolution or 5G networks, and it’s a fantastic option in rural areas that have decent cell coverage.

Cellular internet is portable and flexible. Devices like mobile hotspots and routers with SIM card slots can turn your home into a mini-internet hub, and many providers offer competitive plans for rural customers.

The downside? Coverage isn’t universal. Not all remote areas have strong cellular signals. So if you live in a valley or the woods, your connection can be spotty. Data caps can also be a limitation, so choose a plan that fits your internet use.

Pro tip: Weak signal? Try a signal booster to amplify coverage in hard-to-reach areas. For even better performance, add an external antenna to your router or hotspot.

Fixed Wireless

If you can see the nearest transmission tower, fixed wireless might be your golden ticket to reliable connectivity. This system uses radio waves to deliver high-speed internet from a local provider to an antenna on your property.

Why would you choose fixed wireless? It can rival cable internet in speed and reliability. Plus, it’s less prone to weather disruptions than satellite internet. However, availability is the biggest hurdle. If you’re not in range of a tower or your property has too many obstructions, this option won’t work for you. Installation can be pricey, but the speed and reliability are often worth the upfront investment.

Pro tip: Ask local providers about trial periods or site surveys. They can assess whether your property is a good candidate before you commit.

Point-to-Point Connections

If good fences make good neighbors, so can shared internet. If you have a like-minded neighbor or family members nearby, consider a point-to-point system. These let you share an internet connection across properties using directional antennas.

This option helps spread out the cost of a single internet subscription and keep everyone connected. It’s especially handy if one property or home has better access to an internet source than another.

There are still some downsides. Setup requires technical know-how, plus, the signal weakens over long distances or with obstacles like trees and hills.

Pro tip: Hire a local tech specialist to ensure proper alignment and signal strength.

Choosing the Right Connectivity Solution

The options might sound overwhelming but asking yourself a few questions can help you choose the right fit.

How much speed do I need? Streaming and video calls demand higher speeds than checking email.

What’s my budget? Some options have higher installation costs, while others may charge more per month.

How remote is my property? The availability of some options depends on location.

Can I double up? Redundancies can keep you connected. For example, satellite internet paired with a cellular hotspot provides a backup if one system goes down.

Whether you’re in the middle of the woods, on top of a mountain or surrounded by farmland, there’s likely an internet solution for you. With a little research and the right setup, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — the peace of country living and the convenience of modern connectivity.