Obtaining a high speed Internet connection in a rural area can be a challenge depending on your location.  This is mostly due to the fact that most rural areas are not equipped with Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) or cable access due to the excessive cost of installation by the cable providers.  Up until recently, the only type of Internet access available was dial-up through your telephone line.  Dial-up access is also the slowest Internet connection available and does not accommodate a lot of the current day multimedia and communications applications.

So if you live in a rural area and do not have access to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable connection what are your options?

Options for Broadband in Rural Areas

• Satellite Internet: If DSL or cable is not available in your area you may want to consider a satellite Internet connection. Regardless of where you live you can achieve a high-speed connection as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.  A satellite Internet connection involves the installation of a satellite dish that picks up a high-speed broadband signal from the southern sky.  This makes it possible for even the most remote locations to achieve a high-speed Internet connection.

With a satellite Internet connection you will have the expense of the satellite installation and then a monthly fee depending upon the service plan that you choose.  The connection is very consistent with the exception of the occasional heavy storm or excessive cloud cover.  You can obtain satellite service from companies such as Hughes Net and others.

• Broadband Card: Using a broadband card to achieve a high speed connection another option for rural areas.  If you have access to cellular telephone service you can deploy a wireless data card.  A wireless data card is a tiny device that connects to your PC through a card slot or USB connection to allow access to high-speed broadband Internet through a cellular phone tower.  You can obtain a broadband card through your local cellular phone provider.  Some of the companies require a contract with a monthly service fee.

• Long Range WiFi: This is a less common way to achieve a high-speed broadband Internet connection.  Nevertheless it is worth looking into because the concept is beginning to become popular in a few rural areas.  A long range WiFi connection involves placing an antenna on the outside of your home to achieve a high speed access connection that is several miles away.  The concept was developed for businesses that operate from a remote site and second homeowners that have a vacation home in a remote location.

You can check to see if long range WiFi is being used in your local area. If it is available there is a connection service fee and then a monthly fee thereafter.

As of currently, these are you options for achieving high speed broadband Internet access if you live in a rural area.  As technology advances, the cable companies will most likely find a way to expand cable Internet access to rural areas in a cost effective manner.

Related posts:

1. A Review of Broadband Internet Connections
2. The Advantages of Broadband Internet
3. The Basics of Broadband Internet
4. Broadband Internet: What You Need to Know, Part 1