5G technology is opening a world of opportunity for people and businesses. 5G is shorthand for the fifth-generation mobile network. It provides blazing data speeds, very low latency, improved reliability, and broader coverage than its 4G predecessor.
For people who live and work in rural areas, traditional Internet service is often unavailable, prohibitively expensive, and unreliable. It’s a big problem for a wide range of users including families, traveling professionals, RVers, truckers, boaters, and digital nomads in areas where cable, fiber, and adequate DSL service are unavailable. However, changes in the rapidly evolving technology landscape have created exciting opportunities for these individuals and businesses.
Devices like hotspots and network hubs can deliver rural internet access over the same 5G signal that connects smartphones. They connect other devices over WiFi, and completely replace the need for a router and modem from a traditional Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Internet Use Cases for Rural Areas
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People and businesses in rural areas face unique challenges with Internet service. Typically, rural users will fall into one of the following four categories.
Residents and Businesses in Rural Areas
People who live, work, and run businesses in rural areas have the most diverse needs for Internet access and the greatest challenges. The wide-open geography, infrastructure limitations, affordability, and economic disparities all play a role in making Internet access difficult in rural areas. For example, according to Hoosier AG Today, almost one-quarter of Indiana farmers don’t have Internet access.
At the same time, Internet access has become a necessity for education, economic opportunities, telemedicine, and social contact. People who live and work in rural areas are best served by a provider who can develop a solution that meets their specific needs and geographical requirements.
Recreational Vehicle Users
Another diverse group is RVers. These folks fall into two broad camps, those who travel recreationally and those who live full-time on the road. Both groups want Internet access for information, communication, and entertainment. But since they are moving from place to place, they need a system that behaves similarly to a smartphone, working seamlessly wherever they travel. Working with a 5G provider that has lots of experience working with RVers is the way to go.
Truckers
Truckers face unique challenges when setting up and maintaining Internet access on the road. Truckers need to stay connected to their job, family, and customers while traveling down the interstate. Semi-truck Wi-Fi is designed to provide reliable service to all onboard devices. A solution for truckers needs to account for device placement, network limitations, cost, maintenance, and security.
Boaters
Internet access is important on a boat to maintain communication with the shore in emergencies, access weather and navigation tools, and basic communications. This category of users includes private recreational boats and commercial small watercraft.
Accessing Internet service on a boat presents unique challenges. A wide variety of solutions are available for boaters on lakes, rivers, or the open ocean. These include satellite service, cellular solutions like 4G LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi extenders or hotspots. Find a provider that will work with you to choose a solution that is appropriate, efficient, and reliable for your specific situation.
Look For a Personalized Approach to Service and Support
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Clearly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for rural Internet service. Ideally, the 5G plan you choose should address your location, use case, and unique support requirements. You really need to work with a provider who specializes in rural areas, someone who knows and understands your challenges, and who can tailor and support a solution that exactly meets your requirements. Here are some things to look for:
- Identify a service provider that has experience with high-speed Internet in underserved rural markets. The provider should be able to tailor a solution to your particular use case.
- Find a provider that offers free consultation to design your solution, preferably with 24/7 availability.
- Look for a provider who can explain in detail the various options you have: 5G, 4G LTE, satellite, wireless, and DSL. Your provider should be able to discuss the pros and cons of each option.
- A provider with experience working in rural areas should have extensive knowledge of networks, connections, and devices for your use case and geographical area. For example, they should be able to determine the distance to specific cell towers in your area and then choose which band works best.
- RVers, truckers, boaters, and other mobile users have unique requirements, and the provider should be experienced in developing mobile-friendly solutions.
- Support is a critical concern for Internet users in rural areas. Support must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your provider should have experience with your use case and should be available around the clock.
- In rural areas, look for a provider who will take a personalized approach and get to know their individual customers over time.
Consider a 5G Internet Plan for Your Home or Business
5G technology creates tremendous opportunities for individuals and businesses in rural areas. However, rural Internet users face unique challenges and are best served by a provider who understands their unique needs and can provide a 5g internet plan that best serves them.