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Rural Internet Options: Comparing Satellite, DSL and 5G Home Internet

5 min read
If you live in a rural area, reliable internet access is the key to staying connected to the world around you—whether it’s work, school, shopping online, staying in touch with friends and family, or just playing games and streaming your favorite shows. But, as you know, getting solid connectivity outside of large cities or suburbs can be a real challenge. For years, rural communities have had to grapple with limited high-speed internet options, which often meant slow or no connectivity, higher costs, and a struggle to find a solution that fits your needs.
A group of large satellite dishes.

Since cable and fiber infrastructure is not aways in place in these areas, it usually comes down to three main types of rural internet solutions: satellite, DSL and, more recently, 5G home internet. Let's take a look at these three rural internet options so you can find the best fit.

Satellite internet

Satellite internet works by beaming signals from satellites orbiting the Earth down to a dish installed at your home. This solution is a go-to for many in rural and remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. It’s a solid option when other internet solutions just aren’t available.

  • Availability. One of the standout features of satellite internet is its widespread availability. It can reach nearly any corner of the globe, making it a popular choice for those in the most remote locations where other services might fall short.
  • Speeds. Satellite internet offers a range of speeds that can vary based on the provider and location.
  • Latency. A key drawback of satellite internet has been higher latency. This delay can impact activities requiring real-time interactions, like gaming and video conferencing. The signal has to travel from Earth to space and back, which can introduce noticeable lag.
  • Cost. Generally, satellite internet comes with a higher price tag, plus potential installation fees. This is partly due to the advanced technology and equipment involved.
  • Reliability. While reliable in many ways, satellite internet can be affected by weather conditions. Heavy rain or snow can disrupt the signal, leading to temporary connectivity issues.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

In the past, DSL was often the only game in town in rural areas, since it utilizes phone lines, which are widely available. Unlike satellite, it’s a more traditional option that depends on physical infrastructure.

  • Availability. Since it uses existing phone lines, DSL is available in many rural areas, but it's less widespread than satellite. Its availability is tied to the distance from the internet service provider’s (ISP) central office.
  • Speeds. DSL speeds can vary. The closer you are to the central office, the faster your connection will be. However, distances can affect speeds significantly, making this less predictable in rural settings.
  • Latency. Compared to satellite internet, DSL generally offers lower latency. This means smoother experiences for activities like streaming and online gaming, as the data travels a shorter distance.
  • Cost. DSL is often more affordable than satellite, but pricing can vary based on speed and location.
  • Reliability. DSL can be reliable, though it can be impacted by issues such as line quality and interference. However, since it doesn’t rely on weather conditions, it often provides more consistent service than satellite.

5G (wireless) home internet

Thanks to 5G, the latest generation of wireless technology, cellular networks, which were once only used to keep you connected on your mobile phone, are quickly becoming a go-to option for home internet. Wireless ISPs are becoming popular choices for rural internet users due to their flexibility and growing coverage.

  • Availability. The availability of 5G home internet depends on your proximity to cell towers. T-Mobile is leading the way in 5G deployment, with more than 40-million households eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. In fact, a third of our Home Internet customers are in rural America1.
  • Speeds. Wireless internet speeds, which can vary, have seen significant improvements thanks to advances in 5G. When paired with other technological advances like Wi-Fi 6, connectivity can be improved. How much speed you’ll need depends on a lot of factors, such as how many connected devices you have, the size of your household, and beyond.
  • Latency. In rural areas,5G home internet generally offers lower latency compared to satellite internet. Lower latency is needed for real-time applications like video calls and online gaming.
  • Cost. Price can vary from ISP to ISP, but with competitive data plans and the growing adoption of 5G, these plans generally offer good value. Plus, since this type of home internet utilizes a 5G gateway device to keep you connected, it doesn’t require professional installation or wiring, so you generally save on those fees. You can save more by choosing an ISP that gives you the gateway at no extra cost, and with no long-term contract required.
  • Reliability. Wireless internet has a reliable track record in rural areas, though it can be affected by signal strength and interference. Be sure to choose a provider with a solid 5G network.

Choosing the right rural internet solution hinges on several factors: your location, budget, and specific internet needs. Satellite internet offers broad availability and decent speeds but can suffer from high latency and weather-related disruptions. DSL provides a stable wired connection, often with lower latency than satellite, but that depends on proximity to the central office. 5G home internet is a great solution for those who want a reliable, wireless connection without the all the added fees, binding contracts and complicated installs. But you’ll have to see if it’s available in your area.

T-Mobile offers reliable Home Internet on America’s largest 5G network. No annual contract. No equipment or service fees. You can try it out for 15 days to see if it's a good fit.

Sources:

  1. https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-brings-5g-home-internet-to-nearly-five-million-more-homes

Additional Sources:

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/trust/archive/spring-2024/the-digital-divide

https://www.t-mobile.com/5g

https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/internet-providers/satellite-internet

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-rural-internet

https://www.whichvoip.com/articles/what-is-dsl-internet.htm

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-vs-t-mobile-home-internet

Reliable: Based on T-Mobile analysis of eligible customer speed data reflecting consistent download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for additional details.