Rural Internet Options

Recently someone asked me what the options were for high-speed internet access in a rural setting. Very few areas "in the sticks" are served by cable or DSL and I've run into people with poor telephone service that can't manage more than a 28k connection. Today's modern internet nearly requires high speed connections and internet (or lack thereof) could a the deciding factor in locating a rural small business. Fortunately , there are options that are suitable almost everywhere.

Satellite modems are an expensive option that is available almost everywhere. They work by receiving and transmitting a signal to a geosycronously orbiting satellite. They require a dish similar to a DirectTV receiver. This receiver requires a clear view of the southern sky (where the satellite is located). Service starts at $60/month plus hardware (around $600) from DirecWay, VSAT, StarBand, and Ground Control. Residental service plans share bandwidth among all customers while more expensive business plans assure the customer of a constant speed. Most connections are suitable only for email and web browsing; applications such as VoIP, video conferencing and filesharing (read: bittorrent) are possible with additional cost. Ground Control also offers a mobile satellite solution intended for RVs.

WiMax, the wireless service with the 25 mile range, is still available "real soon now" in the vast majority of rural areas. AT&T is testing their service in New Jersey supporting two customers in anticipation of a larger rollout. However, setting up a community
WiMax system could ofset some of the cost of a satellite connection while providing a valuable local service. Here's a guide to starting a Wireless Internet Service Provider.

A shotgun modem is a two modem two telephone line system. This method used to be the last ditch option for higher-than-dialup speeds as it doubled the speed of a conventional single modem, but this method has fallen out of fashion with the widespread deployment of cable modems and DSL. The cost of the second phone line, plus ISP fees, make a shotgun modem setup's cost on par with that of satellite. However, if a property is without a clear southern view and not within range of a WiMax network, it may be possible to find a local ISP able to host a shotgun modem setup, especially if a customer is willing to buy the appropriate hardware.

None of the methods for obtaining high-speed internet service outside of a city are cheap, but access has become a necessary utility for many people with rural homes. No one with a small business, home office or desire for faster web surfing need do without high-speed service, no matter where one lives.