Stay Connected
The Rural Web
Your Guide to the Internet in Remote Areas
By Lauren Bongard
Living in the country and off the grid brings freedom, self-reliance and a slower lifestyle that’ s closer to nature, but it doesn’ t have to mean cutting ties with the modern world. Whether you or your family are running a business, streaming favorite shows, videochatting with friends and family or taking online classes, internet access in rural areas has become more important and accessible than ever.
Gone are the days of unreliable dial-up internet— or no connection at all. With satellite, cellular and community-based solutions, you can enjoy the tranquility of rural living while staying connected to the wider world.
Satellite Internet
With the internet beamed from space, it’ s possible to live miles away from the nearest town and still stream movies and browse social media, relying solely on a dish installed on your property that communicates with satellites orbiting above Earth.
Satellite internet is available in virtually any location, making it the best choice if you live in the middle of nowhere. It’ s also relatively easy to set up. With most systems, all you need is a clear view of the sky.
There are some challenges, though. While satellite internet is available nearly everywhere, it’ s not perfect. Latency, or the time it takes data to travel to space and back, can affect dataheavy and time-sensitive tasks like video calls and gaming. And weather can be a problem too. Storms can leave you temporarily disconnected, so it’ s smart to have a backup option, like cellular, if you can.
Pro tip: To minimize disruptions, mount the satellite dish in a location with no obstructions, like trees or hills. In winter, regularly clear snow and debris.
14 | 515-574-2203 | 515-574-2189 | March 2025