Jump to:
Internet technology has come a long way during the past few decades. There was a time when dial-up internet was the only way to get online, and the maximum speed delivered by it was 56 kilobits per second (kbps). Today, it’s possible to get up to 8 gigabits per second (Gbps) for residential use!
Learn more about the Internet Revolution:
The History of the Internet - From Dial-Up to Fiber Optics
Although high-speed broadband is widely available in urban areas, many rural residents are less fortunate. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Satellite internet are popular rural internet options. While they’re not as fast as cable or fiber internet, they still represent a major upgrade from dial-up.
Living in a rural or remote region of America, Satellite or DSL internet can keep you connected to the rest of the world. Let’s discuss both options to help you decide which is better for your internet needs.
Satellite Internet for Rural Areas
Satellite internet works by transmitting signals between satellites orbiting the earth and dish antennas installed on our properties. To get a good signal, the dish needs to be correctly aligned, which is why calling in a trained professional is a must.
Since satellite internet operates on a wireless mechanism, the performance is significantly affected by weather conditions and physical obstacles like trees and mountains. An unobstructed line of sight can ensure decent connectivity. To conclude, if you see clear skies for miles in all directions, satellite internet should work nicely.
Top Satellite Internet Providers
There are a handful of satellite internet providers to choose from across the United States, but Hughesnet and Viasat are our top picks.
*Stated speeds are not guaranteed.
*Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.
What are the Pros and Cons of getting Satellite Internet?
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Adequate speeds (much better than dial-up)
- Practicable internet for RVs and connectivity at sea
Cons
- Relatively expensive (equipment + installation is costly)
- High latency (as signals have to travel from earth to space and back)
- Unreliable due to interference by weather and physical objects
DSL Internet for Rural Areas
DSL is known as the earliest form of broadband internet, i.e. the first to replace the slow and tedious dial-up connection. Even though DSL too requires a phone line, it utilizes different frequencies so you can use the phone and internet (on multiple devices) simultaneously.
Most households in rural areas have a landline, so DSL internet is widely accessible and affordable. Setting up a DSL network is pretty straightforward, which is why hiring a professional is optional. Compared to satellite internet, the DSL connection is much more stable and consistent performance-wise.
Top DSL Internet Providers
Cable and fiber internet have almost entirely replaced DSL in urban areas, but several ISPs including Frontier and Ziply Fiber are providing DSL services to rural/remote areas.
What are the Pros and Cons of getting DSL Internet?
Pros
- Economical
- Easy to install
- Low latency (10-70ms) makes it suitable for real-time interactions like video calling
- Consistent performance
Cons
- All landline service providers do not offer DSL, so availability is limited
- The greater the distance from the access point (ISP), the slower the speed
- Average DSL speeds are below 50 Mbps
Satellite vs. DSL Internet: Detailed Comparison
Satellite Internet
Speed
Satellite internet can achieve speeds up to 200 Mbps (or slightly more), although the average is 100 Mbps or less.
Moreover, speeds fluctuate greatly due to interference caused by bad weather conditions and other physical barriers.
Latency
The latency of satellite internet is normally more than 500ms, which is quite high. It can be as much as 1200ms, which makes it unsuitable for online activities involving real-time interactions, such as multiplayer gaming.
The high latency is due to the long distance that data signals have to travel, i.e. from land to satellites orbiting the earth and back.
Availability
No other internet service can beat satellite internet in terms of availability, as it is virtually everywhere.
Satellite internet is best suited for rural neighborhoods that don’t have access to wired broadband.
Pricing
Satellite internet is an expensive technology; thus, internet plans are pricier than those of traditional connection types.
Equipment & Installation
Satellite internet requires a bulky dish antenna to be properly mounted on your property; hence, professional installation is unavoidable.
Equipment and installation of satellite internet is more expensive than that of conventional internet types.
DSL Internet
Speed
DSL internet normally delivers speeds up to 100 Mbps but might offer more, depending on your location and ISP.
DSL is capable of providing consistent speeds and is not affected by external factors unless its physical infrastructure is damaged.
Latency
DSL qualifies as a wired broadband connection, so latency or ping rate is relatively low. Typically, latency below 100ms can support all data-heavy applications without noticeable lag.
The latency range for DSL is 10-70ms, which is acceptable for online gaming, streaming, etc. However, the low bandwidth and speed limit tends to be its shortfall.
Availability
DSL internet is mostly obsolete in urban areas where cable and/or fiber internet are readily available.
The availability of DSL in rural regions is also limited, as not all phone line providers offer the service.
Pricing
DSL internet is generally a cheap service, but prices vary by location. The cost for high-speed DSL and satellite internet can be similar in some places.
Equipment & Installation
DSL internet is normally set up using an existing landline. The phone cable is split to offer phone and internet service at the same time.
The DSL network comprises traditional internet equipment (modem and router); installation requires minimum technical knowledge, so you can do it yourself.
When Do You Choose Satellite Internet Over DSL?
Choosing Satellite Internet over DSL makes sense when:
- You don’t have a landline
- Getting DSL is difficult because your home is far away from the provider’s hub
- It costs less than DSL in your area
- Speeds are better than what is being offered by DSL providers nearby
- You prefer a wireless service for light internet usage
- You want an internet connection that allows mobility (for RV, travel by sea, etc.)
- Most of your internet usage is outdoors (for example, on a farm or in the woods)
When Do You Choose DSL Internet Over Satellite?
Choosing DSL Internet over Satellite makes sense when:
- You require a reliable internet connection to work from home
- You want a wired broadband service that offers low latency and consistent speeds (for gaming, streaming, video calling, etc.)
- It is budget-friendly and easily accessible
- You live in an area with severe/unpredictable weather conditions, so satellite internet would be problematic
- Your internet usage is strictly or primarily indoors
- Your property does not have a clear view of the sky
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better between DSL and Satellite Internet?
DSL is typically cheaper and more reliable. It also offers lower latency, which makes it a better option. On the other hand, satellite internet wins in terms of widespread availability.
What is the best internet for rural areas?
Satellite internet is considered the best for rural connectivity because it is available in all rural and remote areas.
What are the biggest issues with satellite internet?
High latency and weather sensitivity are the major issues while using satellite internet.
Why is it hard to get fast internet in rural areas?
Cable and Fiber internet providers do not expand their infrastructure to rural areas due to potentially low return on investment (ROI); most rural areas are scarcely populated, so they cannot generate sufficient revenue.
Check for services and offers available in your area