Having a stable internet connection is something that many take for granted. However, when it comes to rural areas, the speed and efficiency of these connections can be limited – this can impact your ability to work from home and manage your business. This can have numerous complications for your ability to lead a productive lifestyle in the modern day. Nonetheless, even in rural areas, there are strategies to get superior connectivity. Here are a few top tips.
1. Get Satellite
One of the best options to stay connected is with satellite Internet. If you need a reliable connection for home working, this is worth the investment. Traditionally, connections were via underground copper or fiber optic cables. This often depended on the area in question. Thus, fiber might be infrequent in sparsely populated rural locations. However, this technology isn’t effective for out-of-the-way regions. In such cases, satellite services may be more effective. These solutions often cater to remote locations. Satellite connectivity is an ideal solution for those who need to browse the web and stay connected. It’s also ideal for sending emails and catching up with the current news.
2. Try Mobile Broadband / MiFi
With technology improving faster than ever, most people now have access to fast internet no matter where they are. Those living outside urban areas are less likely to have access to internet speeds they desperately need for work. If satellite internet is not an option for you, one of the more popular alternatives is the use of a MiFi box. These are small portable, battery-operated routers that connect to the 4G phone network to create a connection. MiFi systems work on the phone network, which often has wider coverage, albeit at slightly slower speeds. These boxes are great for non-urban locations and for connecting while traveling; they also offer a reliable way to connect to the Internet in a rural setting. However, it’s worth noting here that data caps could be in place.
3. Invest in 4G Routers
This is a similar principle to the MiFi box, with the key difference being that they are tied to a home or building. 4G routers benefit similarly from the phone network to provide an Internet connection. Still, they utilize mains power. The trade-off here is that they generally provide stronger connectivity over a wider area due to their larger antennae. 4G routers have increasingly been used to work in tandem with traditional routers. This provides a handy backup just in case the main broadband goes down.
4. Check the Best Packages Locally
Not all internet packages are created equal. As such, while this might be the option to get a connection set up in a rural area, only certain providers may offer the service. Moreover, their guarantees can be highly variable. In line with this, it’s wise to shop around. See what packages could be available, which offer the best speeds, and which provide the best value for money. But don’t forget: the available hardware will significantly impact your final speeds.
5. Upgrade your Hardware and Infrastructure
Often, the reason for poor internet speeds is due to poor hardware and infrastructure. Non-urban communities, in particular, tend to receive far lower funding per person on infrastructural investments. As such, this is well worth considering. Unfortunately, antiquated cabling can limit speeds and reliability, and there’s not much to do about this. Still, many providers are slowly upgrading the cabling they use in more remote regions to help guarantee better speeds for their customers. Don’t be afraid to contact a provider to see if this is on the cards.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your business ticking over while living in a beautiful rural environment is the dream for many. Use these tips to stay connected wherever you’re based!