Rural Internet: What it is and the technologies that make it possible

Nowadays, the Internet is a basic need for everyone, no matter where we are on the planet. In fact, having this service is just as important as having gas, water or electricity. However, Internet access in remote areas is not as easy as in urban areas. In such cases, Rural Internet is the ideal solution. What is it and how it works? Let's see.

Frequently, fields, farms, houses or even tourist places lack a good Internet connection. The reason is that they are located in such remote places, that traditional cabling or fiber optics are not capable of reaching until there. Therefore, the rural Internet has contributed enormously to improving the quality of life of these people.

What is rural Internet?

The rural Internet It is the network connection that is available in remote areas such as country houses, farms, villages, etc. To offer this service, companies use different technologies that have their advantages and disadvantages. However, since the Internet is a primary service and options are scarce, many opt for the first option available, and it is not always the best.

So, How do you know which technology is the one you need and which is really useful in your area? Next, we will look at at least three technologies that make rural Internet possible. With them in mind, you can choose the one you consider best for you.

Technologies that make rural internet possible

Since cable or fiber optic Internet cannot reach these remote areas, companies use wireless means to offer this service. Now, many companies have already left behind technologies such as ADSL. At the moment, Rural Internet mainly uses the following technologies:

• Mobile broadband connection: 4G and 5G
• Wireless Internet
• Satellite internet

Mobile Connection

The first technology that is available in some rural areas is mobile broadband, the same network that is used to carry signals to phones. Typically, a compact, portable, battery-powered router is used that connects to 4G or 5G networks using a SIM card. In turn, the devices are linked to the router via Wi-Fi.

Mobile broadband technology It works through antennas and towers that transmit the signal through radio frequencies. In this way, people can connect their mobile devices such as phones, tablets and laptops. The biggest advantage of this technology is that no wiring or antennas are needed to operate. As well as the low price of their plans and high data limits (sometimes unlimited data).

But 4G and 5G mobile connection also has disadvantages that must be considered in a rural area. For one thing, it only supports a limited number of devices connected at the same time. Furthermore, its coverage and scope are limited. So it is possible that, if it is a very isolated area, it may not be possible to obtain this Internet service.

Wireless Internet

Wireless connections are an excellent rural Internet option. This technology uses Wifi repeaters which use radio waves to transmit data at high speed and lower latency between two fixed points. What do you need to obtain the service? To do this, an antenna is placed on the roof or top of the house. This antenna receives the signal from a nearby tower and sends it to the modem or router that allows our devices to connect to the Internet.

Wireless Internet is one of the most used services in remote areas, since does not require traditional wiring. In addition, it offers acceptable browsing speed for a moderate price. This option is ideal for those who live in inaccessible places and where it is very difficult to install wiring lines.

What are some advantages of wireless Internet? On one side, no need to pay for expensive installation to use the service. Likewise, it is possible for companies to increase the speed you have contracted without increasing the price. On the other hand, you do not need to have a telephone installation to be able to use it.

Like the previous technology, rural wireless Internet also has some disadvantages. The main drawback is that the antenna must be pointed directly at the repeater. Which can get a little complicated if there are obstacles that prevent visibility such as mountains, trees or, in some cases, buildings.

Satellite internet

Finally, there is satellite connection as an option to have rural Internet. How does satellite internet work? Through transmission of signals from a terrestrial antenna to a satellite of the service provider in space. In turn, the satellite sends the signal to the antenna, which offers Internet coverage in a certain area.

To have the service in your home, you need to put an antenna on the outside Of the same. This antenna will communicate with both the satellite and the company you are hiring. The company will “send the service” to you using the satellite as an intermediary. It is the same thing that fiber optics does, but through the air.

The biggest advantage of satellite Internet is that Its range is much greater than wired or wireless Internet. You just need the antenna to point to the sky. In addition, it is possible to take the signal to a modem that can connect directly to your computer and use its WiFi for your mobile devices.

One of the disadvantages of satellite Internet is that connection speed is not guaranteed. In fact, this varies depending on weather conditions or network load. Something worth taking into account if you need fast Internet, especially when performing online tasks or playing video games. On the other hand, the installation cost of this service is usually high, a point worth considering.

Rural Internet: connect no matter where you are

As we have seen, today There are different alternatives to fiber optics or cable Internet if you are in a rural area. On the one hand, you have 4G and 5G mobile broadband. Also, you have wireless Internet through repeaters. And finally, you can take advantage of satellite Internet services. Which is the best? It will depend on your particular circumstances and needs.