News and Events

Updated on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.

Choosing to live in a rural area comes with more space, cleaner air and a closer-knit community. And now, with new rural broadband options, you don’t need to sacrifice internet quality to live where you want.

There’s a growing demand for high-speed internet – making it essential for everyone living anywhere. A powerful connection simply improves the quality of life for people, especially for folks living in widespread areas. The internet not only connects homes to the world, but it can also amplify schooling with online learning opportunities and empower businesses by making new technology possible.

Technology is ever-changing, making a strong case for telecommunications companies to bridge the digital divide. From health care to small family farms and ranches, a more reliable internet connection supports innovation and helps communities thrive.

Top 3 Internet Options for Rural Areas

There are three ways to connect to the internet if you live in a rural area. You can access the internet through a fixed wireless connection, DSL (digital subscriber line) or satellite. There are pros and cons to each method – here is how each option stacks up against the other.

What is fixed wireless internet?

Midco Fixed Wireless Internet relies on wireless signals and antennas. Equipment is placed on the top of a water tower, grain elevator or other tall structure that is connected to the Midco fiber network. Then, an antenna on your home or business points directly to that equipment (not to the sky) and delivers high-speed internet using point-to-multi-point signals.

Pros:

• Faster than DSL and satellite (up to 100 Mbps download speeds available)
• Add Midco Wi-Fi pods to extend the signal even further.
• Accessible within seven miles of tower or elevated connection point
• Wireless connection without the need for installing additional lines.
• Newer technology backed by our broadband investments
• Local, customer support based out of the Midwest
• No data caps for unlimited use

Cons:

• Need clear line of sight to equipment. The signal between the antenna and equipment on tower or elevated area can’t be blocked by trees, buildings or other major obstacles.
• Not available for everyone, everywhere. Must be within reach (about seven miles) of Midco equipment.

 

What is DSL?

DSL, or digital subscriber line, brings about internet services via local phones lines. Since its broadband technology it won’t tie up your phone line (unlike the old-school, dial-up modems). If you have a landline phone connection, DSL is an option that can work for you.

Pros:

• No new cables are required due to landline phone connection
• No bandwidth sharing with dedicated connection unaffected by others’ internet activity
• Minimal equipment required since an antenna isn’t necessary

Cons:

• Slower speeds due to today’s technology outpacing the capabilities of DSL
• Required bundling by other companies for customers to also pay for a phone line
• Data caps by other companies resulting in overage charges
• Quality affected by the distance from the local network office or network telephone exchange may affect speeds

 

What is satellite?

With satellite internet, data travels from an antenna (at your home or business) to a satellite orbiting the earth. Data comes back to you the same way. Satellite internet tends to be slower because of the extra time involved with sending signals thousands of miles into space and back again.

Pros:

• Available anywhere – making it an excellent option for people living in remote or less accessible areas.

Cons:

• Need clear line of sight to equipment from antenna of satellite located thousands of miles away
• Weather-related issues that interfere with signal due to surrounding terrain, storms and other weather conditions
• Slower speeds due to higher latency, primarily affecting services that use large amounts of data
• Data caps by other companies to limit usage