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Rural Internet Options Satellite Internet vs DSL Posted: November 5, 2021 @ 5:43 pm

Which one is the best for you and your family?

Satellite Internet Vs. DSL

Satellite, as well as DSL services, are often located in the same location. However, both technologies operate differently from each other.

Satellite Internet is based on a dish attached to the roof for receiving signals coming from outer space, while DSL provides Internet via your landline phone wire.

The satellite dish technology has advanced over the last few years and is rapidly catching up with the DSL speed of the connection. However, in certain areas, there is a negligible difference.

DSL makes use of the phone line, but it does not interfere with calls as dial-up. The majority of the time, DSL speeds are greater than satellite speeds. However, the speed can differ. Therefore, both satellites and DSL both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Satellite Internet Pros and Cons

While this is not always the case, occasionally, satellite internet speeds are quicker than DSL. The speed of your internet will be largely dependent on the area you're located in.

Pros

Nearly everywhere you can lookup
Based on the location, it could provide more speed than DSL

Cons

The service is subject to latency and speed problems, caps on data, and service interruptions during adverse weather conditions.
Contract terms with higher minimums (usually about two years)
Do you require an ugly physical dish installed
Higher equipment costs
ETFs (Early Termination Fees) are becoming more common.

Internet Pros and Cons of DSL

Although rural internet service providers are very few and far between, a reliable DSL service provider could be a lifesaver.

Pros

Minimal equipment installation is needed.
Usually don't have long minimum-term agreements.
No need for large equipment installation

Cons

It can be extremely slow when you're not near the Office or the access point.

DSL Vs. Satellite Which one is better?

In general, DSL is the better choice, especially in the case of Netflix. But each DSL and Satellite can become "better" for you, according to your specific situation.

For instance, in the majority of instances, DSL is a better overall option for rural areas. However, satellite internet might be more efficient in those areas where speeds max at one to five Mbps (megabits per second). Additionally, a satellite connection is the only internet service for rural areas accessible almost all over the world.

Of course, one of the major disadvantages of the satellite is that internet plans typically come with strict data limits. This restricts you to basic internet services and restricts bandwidth-intensive activities, such as regular streaming on Netflix.

Satellite limits typically range from 40GB to 150GB for the majority of providers. When you reach limits, then you might lose your internet connection completely in the most extreme instances. However, many users can connect to the internet at limited or throttled speeds.

Compare that with DSL, the limits of which are typically higher, generally at around 1,000GB. It is possible to consume hundreds of gigabytes quickly through streaming HD videos. Keep this in mind when you make your choice.

To make it easier to understand in simpler terms, here are the key aspects to take into consideration to consider when looking at rural DSL service with satellite:

If you're located far away from your access point, Internet speeds from satellite dishes tend to be less than DSL.
Satellite internet plans restrict you with data caps and lengthy contract conditions.
Dish provides faster and more reliable internet, whereas DSL might not be available depending on where you live.

DSL as well as Satellite Rural Internet Providers

If you're searching for the top internet service providers for rural areas, our unique search tool will show the exact providers that cover the area you live in.

Here are some rural internet choices:

Verizon Wireless LTE (installed)
AT&T Internet
CenturyLink
HughesNet
Rise Broadband
Viasat
Windstream

If you're interested in knowing which providers are available near your residence, we recommend trying the search feature. It will display each internet service provider with satellite Internet, DSL, or fixed wireless within your region, along with their speeds and costs.

Are you sure that "Unlimited" Satellite Service Unlimited?

Recently, many large service providers have begun to offer users "unlimited" satellite internet packages. This may seem appealing at first. However, we've observed that the plans are bundled with "guidelines" in place of hard caps.

What it means to you is that if the "guidelines" are exceeded, the service provider will reduce your internet connection, reducing the speed significantly (even if you're just halfway into the year). Learn more about this guide to find out more about the internet throttle.

This could make the most basic online tasks feel incredibly slow, which is why it's crucial to know what the number means before enrolling in any of the plans.

Television Satellite Internet Vs. Satellite TV

A popular mistake is to think that satellite television and satellite Internet are the same things. Different companies offer both services. In 2018 there was no evidence that any major satellite internet providers have their TV services. However, they do often bundle their services with satellite TV services like DirecTV.

DirecTV, as well as Dish TV, are two of the most well-known satellite TV choices available. Although they're not able to provide the same degree of flexibility as cable, they're typically offering better value than the "digital TV" service DSL provides.

You can count on a range of package options for channels for each of DirecTV and Dish that include things such as NFL Sunday Ticket, STARZ's movie channels, and premium channels like HBO. Additionally, both service providers provide DVR capabilities, which allow users to record, edit, and pause and record live television on all channels.

Why Are There So Few Rural Internet Options?

In recent times, cities have seen an increase in the availability of affordable, high-speed internet choices from a variety of service providers and providers. So what is the reason why many of these providers did not make it to the United States?

It's not surprising that the cost of expanding is a major reason why high-performance alternatives like fiber and cable aren't extending into the entire country yet.

In areas with a high density, they can justify the cost of expensive fiber lines to build; however, in those areas that will not see a single house across the entire distance, the numbers just don't work.

However, advancements are being made to bring high-speed Internet access to remote areas of the nation. Advancements in satellite technology will soon be able to provide faster speeds and dramatically expanded data limits, removing two of the biggest negatives of the service currently.

SpaceX has made plans to launch satellites with low orbit to compete with DSL in 2020. On the other hand, the government agency, FCC, invests millions of dollars into rural broadband each year.

Another option is the use of a different type of connection. All over the country, smaller, independent providers are beginning to provide consumers with the alternative to satellite and DSL.

These firms are often called WISPs or wireless Internet Service Providers and offer what's known as a "fixed wireless" service that will allow for surprisingly speedy download speeds.

Fixed Wireless Broadband vs. Satellite Internet and DSL

Fixed wireless is a kind of Internet service different from satellites and DSL in many important ways.

The primary difference is how the signal gets to your residence in the beginning. Instead of relying on physical wiring or satellite, fixed wireless technology is based on an immediate, point-to-point connection via the access point.

This typically means faster speeds that are higher than satellite and DSL. If it's available in your region, it's the best option.

However, one of the major drawbacks of fixed wireless technology is it's not an extremely widespread service.

This is due in part to numerous factors, but one of the main ones is that you must have a direct line of sight connection with the point of access that could be many miles away from your residence. If you live in areas with difficult terrain, this could be difficult and, in some cases, impossible.

Of course, it's important to verify whether these kinds of services are available within your region. Our extensive Internet provider tool is broken down into the type of service and will aid you in choosing the best choice for you.

Alternatives to Rural Internet: Low Choices

Rural Internet choices are a bit limitless at present. There is progress in new technologies that could offer greater service, but for the time being, the fixed-wireless network and DSL will most likely work best for most users.

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