Are you currently low on funds, and you are wondering how to get free internet in rural areas?
Do you want to have access to the internet without having to worry about monthly bills and payments?
If you are, then we are here to help you! In today’s guide, but we will be giving you in full detail the steps you need to take to get free internet in rural areas.
Not only that, but we’ll also give you the information to learn how to get cable internet in a rural area!
There are a couple of ways to have access to free internet in rural areas, and that’s by utilizing a couple of programs and applications!
Before that, though, let us first take a look at the realities of the internet and the world that we currently live in.
Is There Such Thing as Free Internet?
Did you know that the average person spends as much as $50 per month for internet services alone? That’s enough to give you reason that it’s a necessity in today’s time.
As ridiculous as it sounds, yes, there are a couple of things you can do to get free internet in rural areas or small towns and municipalities.
In fact, it’s not often advertised, but some businesses and establishments actually give people within the vicinity free internet.
So, before you turn on your skeptical insight, let’s now take a look at the options you have to get free internet in rural areas.
How to Get Free Internet in Rural Areas?
If we compare it to the major and bigger cities – or those central business districts – the odds would be down 5 to 1.
However, there are a couple of ways on how you can get free internet in rural areas.
Juno and NetZero’s 10-Free Hour Internet Service
Juno Online Services and NetZero are two (2) of the most underrated providers in the country.
Famous companies like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon FIOS, and others always cover them when it comes to speed and performance.
What many people don’t know is that both Juno and NetZero offer ten (10) free hours of internet services per month.
If you are using the internet not that heavily, like you just need access to it a few minutes a day, then you can get it for free!
You can access NetZero’s offer by going to their website; it’s the same thing with Juno!
All Free ISP
Contrary to what you might be thinking, All Free ISP is not a service provider. Instead, it’s a tool that you can use to find the best and the cheapest internet deals where you are!
Not only that, but it can also help and guide you in getting free internet access!
The beauty of All Free ISP is that they rate the services based on the feedback from users!
Check With Your Municipality
As additional help and assistance to the needy, some cities and municipalities decided to offer free internet access to people who are in the area.
The vast majority of rural areas in the United States have it. All you have to do is to be in contact with staff from the municipality and ask from there.
Connect to Compete
Last but most definitely not least is Connect to Compete. This is an assistance program initiated by the FCC or the Federal Communications Commission, in partnership with EveryoneOn.org.
Their main motto is to help families with low income get free access to the internet.
It’s totally free, the problem is, not all areas are eligible for the service. So, check if Connect to Compete is available from where you are!
These are known to be the best and the most effective ways of getting free internet access in rural areas.
Aside from these, other people are also inquiring if it’s possible to get cable internet in far-off towns and cities (of course paid). That brings us to our next question, which is…
How to Get Cable Internet in a Rural Area (Paid)?
Cable internet access, or cable internet for short, is a type of internet connection, that, instead of using fiber optics, uses cables that are the same as how cable TVs function.
And yes, you can get and apply for cable internet even if you are in a rural area!
Here are some of the options that you can take to secure internet access even if you are residing in a secluded area.
Broadband Over Power Lines (BPL)
BPL, short for broadband over power lines, is considered the best alternative to get an internet connection if you are in a rural area.
Back in the first half of the century’s decade, experts have predicted this to be a thing, and now, it’s becoming a reality!
The options for it as limited, and not all rural areas have it, but it’s slowly being rolled out!
It’s like DSL but instead of connecting to a phone jack to get internet access, you only need to run it through a wall outlet!
Satellite Internet
There are companies that offer satellite internet, like ViaSat and HughesNet.
So, if you are in a rural area and you need high-speed internet and a reliable connection, you can consider them.
Of course, you have to accept the fact that your internet connection wouldn’t be as fast and as swift as the ones in cities, but it’ll be workable.
Another thing to note is that since it uses satellite when it’s windy, rainy, or snowy, expect to have a little-to-no connection. This is because of natural occurrences blocking the signals and the receptions.
DSL
DSL or the Digital Subscriber Line is one of the simplest and most basic forms of the internet there is.
All it requires is a copper wire ad a phone wall jack, and you will have the chance to get internet access! Its flexibility and diversity are drawn back when it comes to speed.
You can’t expect fast internet with DSL, to set the expectation.
However, it’s one of the ways of getting internet in a rural area!
These are the most common and the most sought-after options in securing free internet services and access in rural areas. They are not everything, but others wouldn’t be as reliable as these.
Read Next: How fast is NASA Internet?
Conclusion
We can consider the internet a necessity nowadays, especially after what we’ve experienced in the past years.
It’s a tool that students need to learn; it’s something that assists employees and workers to accomplish their tasks and jobs – and it is even some people’s only hope to put food on the table.
So, if ever you find yourself asking how to get free internet in rural areas, this guide will be all you need.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.