Surfing the Internet from rural areas is slowly becoming easier, but there are many places where broadband options are limited. High-speed Internet service is readily available in many areas via DSL or cable, but some people still do not have those options available at their home. Rural Internet access remains possible for even the most rural areas if you know how to get it.

Dial Up

If you have a telephone, you can access the Internet with a dial-up connection. The speed of dial-up is less than desirable, but it is somewhat inexpensive and always available. Contact your phone company or an Internet service provider and ask them about establishing dial-up Internet at your house. Dial-up works by hooking your computer directly into a telephone jack and dialing an access number. The computer logs into the network with a user name and password and gives you access to the Internet. It is slow access, but it is access nonetheless. If you have a need for continuous access to the Internet from home, you will need to install a dedicated line. This requires asking the phone company to install a separate phone line that is only used by your computer. The dedicated line does not require any options such as call waiting and so forth, but make sure you know that your Internet access number is a local call or else you may face long distance charges. You will not be able to use the telephone while you are on the Internet if you do not install a dedicated line.

High Speed Satellite Internet

If you want high-speed Internet and you live outside of a DSL or cable service area, all is not lost. Contact a satellite Internet service provider and have them install the service regardless of your location. Add Internet service to your existing satellite television subscription. If you live in a place without cable, it is likely you subscribe to satellite TV. Many satellite television companies now offer high-speed satellite Internet service, and you may be able to get a better deal by bundling your television with your Internet access. Satellite Internet typically offers download speeds of 768 Kbps to 5.0Mbps, which is comparable to standard DSL performance, according to the High Speed Internet Access Guide website. The service can be a bit expensive in comparison and it may have some interference during bad weather. Weigh these factors against the speed of dial-up to determine what is right for you.

Cellular

In the unlikely event that you are in a rural area that happens to have strong cellular service, check with the cellular provider to see if they offer mobile broadband. In some cases, you will be able to use a small device plugged into your computer to pick up a high speed Internet signal from the company's cellular tower.

Source:

High Speed Internet Access Guide

More Information:

PC World.com: Rural U.S.: Doomed to Dial-Up?