Why is unlimited wireless Internet so difficult to find in rural areas? Many areas suffer from slow connections, making the idea of high-speed, unlimited wireless Internet almost unthinkable. This article will explain why high-speed Internet access is necessary for rural residents. Then we’ll talk about the different providers and what they have to offer. If you cannot make a decision based on speed, consider these options.
CenturyLink
If you live in rural areas, you’ll want to get internet service from Century Link, a high-speed cable and DSL provider. CenturyLink is a good choice for rural users since their plans have no contract, no overage fees, and high-speed connections. You can also choose a plan based on your needs. And unlike other providers, CenturyLink won’t tie you to a long-term contract or monthly fee.
CenturyLink is a top provider in rural areas and offers a variety of plans for the entire family. They have high-speed plans starting at about $50 per month, and many offer unlimited data. These plans are more affordable than satellite internet and have no price hikes. While they don’t offer free streaming services, you can use them for browsing the web and staying connected to social media. CenturyLink offers 24/7 customer support and speed testers, and outage checkers.
CenturyLink has a good network and good service for the best internet service in rural areas. Even though it doesn’t always rank among the top providers in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI), CenturyLink is a solid choice for rural customers. In 2021, CenturyLink received a score of 62, which is marginally higher than that of competitors Windstream, Mediacom, Frontier, Suddenlink, and Verizon.
In addition to offering a stable connection, CenturyLink offers unwavering rates and 24/7 technical support. You can also choose between DIY (do it yourself) or professional installation. Professional installation is available for $125. It includes wireless network setup and internet activation. CenturyLink offers technical support online and a wide range of support tools. There is even a dedicated phone number to call for troubleshooting assistance.
Unlimited Wireless Internet in Rural Areas with Centurylink may be hard to find, but T-Mobile offers a service that includes unlimited data and a monthly plan. But, you have to know your location before signing up. For example, if you live in a remote area with no cell towers nearby, you might get high-speed service only in the neighborhood of a cell tower. If you get a weak signal, you might need to move your router to a nearby tower. But that’s not a big deal.
The company offers different speed plans, and your usage will determine the type of connection that is best for you. If you only want to stream movies online and download small amounts of data, a 20Mbps connection is probably all you’ll need. A basic plan costs about $40 per month, but the higher speeds will cost you more. CenturyLink also offers a Price for Life guarantee, which means that no matter how often you visit the website, you won’t have to worry about paying for high-speed internet service.
Kinetic by Windstream
Among Windstream’s many offerings is Kinetic by Windstream Unlimited Wireless Internet in rural areas. Designed to provide quality service at reasonable prices, Kinetic aims to improve customer satisfaction with internet services. The company is committed to expanding its presence across the U.S., but the service doesn’t cover every rural area. Still, it is a viable option for those living in rural areas.
The company offers its service in eighteen states, although only in certain parts. Kinetic GIG was initially launched in seven communities in North Carolina and Lincoln, NB. Other locations included Lexington, KY, Sugar Land, and China Grove. It is important to note that speeds may vary by region. If you live in a rural area, compare speeds in different areas. Then, decide which one is best for your needs.
Windstream offers customers a wide range of high-speed internet service plans, but Kinetic is the fastest and most consistent. Available in both fiber and DSL, Kinetic offers up to a gigabit of bandwidth per month. Despite being a rural provider, Windstream is the largest internet provider in the U.S. It competes with major fixed wireless providers and can deliver speeds as high as one gigabit.
The company offers a $100 Visa prepaid card with every new account. Although the internet service is comparable to Kinetic’s, Charter Spectrum is more widely available in rural areas. However, if you live in a rural area where fiber isn’t available, Kinetic by Windstream may be better. Moreover, a major disadvantage is that the service provider will increase prices if you don’t cancel the service after a year.
However, Kinetic may not have an official gig plan. The prices will increase after the first 12 months and be as much as $7/mo. This is because the internet speed is dependent on the address. It may be difficult to find a plan with sufficient speeds depending on the speed. If you live in a rural area, it is best to contact the local Windstream office before signing up for service.
Kinetic by Windstream is the only provider of unlimited wireless Internet in rural areas. The service is a fixture in rural areas, but its download speeds are limited to 50 Mbps. But if you’re lucky, you can get access to speeds of 200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and even 1,000 Mbps. Moreover, Suddenlink provides service in several rural communities within its twenty-state coverage area, so there’s a chance that it provides high-speed Internet in your city.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, you need to look beyond the price. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores Kinetic by Windstream’s service with a score of 61/100, which is well below the industry average. In 2021, this service scored 71/100 in the ACSI, which is still below average. The company will likely receive a better rating from consumers in rural areas with the same score.
Verizon
While primarily available in urban centers, Verizon is rolling out LTE Home Internet service in rural areas. This service, which utilizes 4G LTE technology, allows users to connect to the Internet with unlimited data. Verizon’s LTE home Internet speeds typically reach up to 50 Mbps. That’s faster than the average rural internet speed, about eight megabits per second. You can easily install the router yourself, too.
The network of Verizon is vast, and its LTE home Internet service can be easily accessed. Its 4G LTE coverage area covers 98 percent of the U.S. population, including 169 rural counties. Customers also have unlimited data plans that include text and chat in more than 220 countries. In addition, Verizon provides international plans with unlimited data in more than 220 countries. The new Verizon network means improved speeds and consistent internet connections in rural areas, which can be important during the Coronavirus pandemic.
While it’s true that Verizon has the most coverage area, it does not have the most data per user. The company’s 4G system uses lower frequencies than a traditional cell phone, while its 5G network primarily utilizes super-high-band frequencies. However, Verizon also gave a list of ZIP codes where rural home LTE was available. The list also includes military and diplomatic installations overseas.
When choosing a rural carrier, remember that you’re looking for a plan to meet your specific needs. While no rural carrier is perfect, some are better than others, so you must weigh the pros and cons before choosing a provider. One of the most popular carriers for rural use is Verizon, which provides the country’s most 4G LTE coverage. Customers use their Verizon service more than 80 percent of the time.
But activating the rural plan isn’t always that simple. Many customers are hitting brick walls. They are receiving devices with a limited data plan or trying to change their plans with service reps who aren’t listening. If you’re experiencing a poor experience with your Verizon home internet, you might want to consider a different plan. Verizon’s rural service is currently available in 189 markets.
Customers can choose from three plans from Verizon. The cost of the unlimited wireless plan is $40 for existing Verizon customers and $60 for non-customers. It also includes a $240 LTE Home router and a $10 monthly promotional credit. The promotional credit will be applied to your balance every two years. The LTE Home router is easy to install and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. The internet plan is available in 48 states.
You can also sign up for a “fixed wireless” plan. There are some caveats. Most “unlimited” plans only offer high-speed Internet over 4G LTE or 5G, and after this is used, your speeds will drop to 3G levels. Besides, wireless Internet depends on cell signals, so you should choose a reliable cell service plan. In addition to being cheap, rural home LTE is also a good option if you live in an area with low cellular reception.