Best rural internet providers
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Last updated: March 5, 2026
Even if you live in a rural area with limited internet options, reliable connectivity is still possible through satellite and 5G providers such as Starlink, T-Mobile and Verizon, with plans starting at $30.00/mo. Compare providers to find the best internet plan for your rural household.
View internet plans available near you
Top rural internet providers near you
Although rural areas have less access to fiber and cable internet than urban areas, there are options for rural residents to access high-speed internet through satellite and 5G internet providers. Compare top rural internet providers by price, speed and availability.
VERIZON: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo., 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. or 5G Home Ultimate plan at $60/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2026 Verizon. Updated as of 03/05/26.
CENTURYLINK: Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line.
Key takeaways
- Satellite providers like Starlink and Viasat cover nearly 100% of the U.S.
- Rural internet plans can start at low as $30.00 – $50.00/mo., depending on your provider
- Rural internet speeds from top providers can reach up to 100 – 1,000 Mbps
- 5G providers have no contracts or data caps, while some satellite providers like Starlink have a high data cap of 1 TB per month
- Budget shoppers can bundle internet and a mobile line with Verizon 5G for a discounted monthly price starting at $30.00/mo.
What fast internet options are available in rural areas?
Rural internet is not known for having fast internet speeds, but satellite providers offer 50 to 500 Mbps, and 5G home internet speeds can reach 400+ Mbps.
Satellite internet is often one of the few connection options available in rural areas, but it can be slower and more expensive than fiber, cable or even 5G home internet with Verizon or T-Mobile. Starlink is currently the only satellite provider offering low latency and high speeds up to 500 Mbps, while Hughesnet and Viasat max out at about 150 Mbps and have much higher latency due to older technology.
Internet service is based on your address, so even if your neighbor has access to a certain provider, you may not. When you are considering moving to a new rural home, double-check that there are available options. Start your internet search by entering your address to find out what options are available to you.
Enter your ZIP code to view internet plans available near you
What can I do with a rural internet connection?
Rural internet connections that rely on satellite or even 5G for daily internet activities may face more limitations than those in suburban and urban areas with fiber or cable connections.
Satellite providers like Hughesnet and Viasat have max speeds of less than 200 Mbps, so they can only support streaming, gaming, remote work or multiple connected users to a certain extent.
5G providers like T-Mobile and Verizon can provide faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite connections, but may have inconsistent performance based on cell tower proximity. Still, you should be able to game, stream and work from home as long as you choose the appropriate speed for your home.
If you can’t get a 5G connection at your home, we recommend Starlink over Hughesnet and Viasat, as it offers faster speeds and lower latency since its satellites orbit closer to Earth.
Rural internet provider breakdowns
While people living in rural areas may have fewer choices for internet providers, satellite and 5G providers like Starlink, T-Mobile and Verizon can deliver internet speeds to support a connected household. Explore the top rural providers below.
Allconnect Rating
2.70 / 5
Starlink: Best for travelers
Starlink internet is a top satellite internet option for those living in rural areas as well as those who need internet on the go. Starlink offers residential internet as well as travel specific plans for RVs, boats and portable connectivity. There are no contracts and speeds can reach up to 400 Mbps. Starlink is one of the fastest internet services available in rural America, and prices start at $50.00/mo.
What we like about Starlink
- Fast speed – Download speeds can reach 100 to 400 Mbps and the latency of Starlink satellites is much lower than other providers because they are in low orbit
Things to consider about Starlink
- High setup costs – Pricey starting costs at $175 to set up, with $50 in shipping added. Prices can vary for shipping, depending on location
- Satellite and weather – This service will be open to weather-related disruptions
| Starting price* | Download speed range | Data caps |
|---|---|---|
| $50.00 – $2,150.00/mo. | 100 – 400 Mbps | 1 TB |
*Prices without Autopay and Paperless Billing. Per month for 12 mos. One-year agreement, early termination fee, and one-time charge apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. Updated as of 03/05/26.
Learn more about Starlink internet
Plans starting at
$35.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
1,000 Mbps
Overview
Verizon offers four 5G plans: Home Internet Lite, 5G Home, 5G Home Plus and 5G Home Ultimate. You’ll get a discount if you have a Verizon cellphone plan, with plans ranging from $35.00 to $60.00/mo. Note that the Home Internet Lite plan comes with a data limit of 150 GB, after which your speeds will be slowed to 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
Verizon 5G Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$30.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
498 Mbps
Overview
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service is one of the most affordable internet plans available starting at just $30.00/mo. with Autopay and voice line, plus taxes & fees.
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$55.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
100 Mbps
Overview
CenturyLink internet offers simple pricing and added features such as unlimited data and free self-installation with select plans. It also has options for rural internet like DSL.
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$39.99 /mo.
Speeds up to
100 Mbps
Overview
Hughesnet is a solid choice for a rural internet provider due to its availability. With its Fusion plan, Hughesnet also has less latency than other satellite providers.
Hughesnet Customer Reviews:
How we evaluated rural ISPs
Additional rural internet providers
Additional rural ISPs: Pricing and speeds
| Providers | Starting price* | Download speed range |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Air Internet | $60.00/mo. | 90 – 300 Mbps |
| Nomad Internet | $99.95/mo. | Varies |
| Viasat | $99.99/mo. | 25 – 150 Mbps |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. Updated as of 3/05/26.
Rural internet FAQs
What internet works best in rural areas?
Satellite internet is the best option for those living in rural areas because of its widespread availability. While it’s known for its slow connection, some providers like Starlink and Hughesnet are providing faster speeds than other satellite providers. Fixed wireless is also a great option if it’s available near you.
Is fixed wireless internet better than satellite?
Both fixed wireless and satellite internet are good choices for internet service in rural areas. Fixed wireless internet has lower latency than satellite internet because the wireless signals travel a shorter distance. Satellite internet, however, is generally better than fixed wireless because it can offer fast speeds and a more reliable connection.
Can I get internet for gaming in rural areas?
Yes. You will want to choose an ISP that offers at least 25 Mbps and has as low latency as possible. Starlink internet is likely the best option available for rural areas.
How can I get Wi-Fi in rural areas?
You can get Wi-Fi in rural areas by subscribing to an internet provider available in your area or using public or mobile hotspots.
What should I do if there is no internet available near me?
If you live in an area without any internet options, you most likely will need to go to a place with internet available, like a school, community center, library or storefronts like coffee shops.
Can rural residents get assistance with internet bills?
Rural residents may be able to get help with internet bills from providers, if they qualify for the offered low-income plans. The state or municipality may also have incentives or help. There are some federal avenues for help with internet bills as well.
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Written by
Camryn Smith
Writer
As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet servic… View profile
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