The internet is a modern-day essential in this digital age. Not unlike electricity and gas. It has become a basic necessity that sustains the modern lifestyle. Yet, a huge cross-section of the American population remains deprived of this powerful tool, mostly those living in rural areas.
People living outside the urban infrastructure find it difficult to access unlimited 4g internet service for home. Mainly because there isn’t a huge list of rural internet options to choose from.
In addition, most internet service providers find it unprofitable to extend their infrastructure into rural America. And state the simple economics of supply and demand as a deterrent.
But, then again, statistics show that instead of 83% of urban and suburban adults. Who go online at least once every day, 76% in rural America do likewise. So the demand is there, even if not as consistently high as in the urban or suburban regions.
AT&T is one of the topmost internet service providers in the U.S., leveraging available technology as optimally as possible, so this digital divide can be bridged.
Not that other ISPs are not delivering services in different rural regions of the U.S., AT&T comes forward with three different options across its service states—which are affordable and practical and help the rural population stay connected.
Plus, these services come with the AT&T name tag—so, it is safe to presume they would spell reliability and quality.
Types of AT&T Internet in Rural Areas:
Fully aware of its stature and its commitment to the FCC initiative. AT&T has endeavored to ensure it utilizes the latest in internet tech to deliver fast and reliable connections far and wide.
For this reason, AT&T has thus far made the best use of its preexisting copper infrastructure to provide high-speed rural internet.
And, more recently the provider has also been employing wireless LTE technology to deliver fixed wireless internet for rural areas. At the same time, AT&T mobile broadband is now accessible nearly to the entirety of the U.S. territories.
Moving forward, AT&T plans to roll back its DSL-based wired internet service while expanding the coverage of its fixed wireless internet.
AT&T IPBB & DSL Internet in Rural Areas
In rural America, the phone line copper network has been available for a very long time. Making DSL internet a common option. So, as AT&T began to extend the fiber optic backbone in its infrastructure farther out. It reduced the “last mile” over copper lines.
And, this has resulted in considerably high speeds delivered via an AT&T IPBB connection. So, while urban and suburban areas are the main beneficiaries of this hybrid Fiber-Copper network. Rural populations residing close to the AT&T hub are also able to access high-speed internet.
Albeit, if your rural home is located far away from the AT&T hub. You cannot access more than Basic Internet from AT&T—at this point.
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet in Rural Areas
In March 2020, AT&T announced it covered 880,000 customer locations with its LTE-based Fixed Wireless network—and undertook to extend the coverage to a total of 1.1 million by the end of the year. Having embarked on building and spreading out its Fixed Wireless network back in 2017, AT&T has made considerable progress since.
Unlike wired or satellite-based networks, fixed wireless internet does not ask for complex infrastructure. The philosophy is simple. As long as you are in the line of sight of the provider access point. You’ll be able to receive the signal and connect to the internet.
You don’t need wires laid out to build your home internet connection or an expensive satellite dish. All you need is an antenna installed outside your house. Preferably with no obstacles in the line of sight. Its power supply, and a wireless modem for your in-home Wi-Fi network.
The backhaul connection, which transmits the signal, is wired—in most regions fiber optic. But, the signal is directed to the consumer location wirelessly via a series of towers. As long as you are in the line of sight of the AT&T access point, you will receive the signal via the antenna, which will be broadcast via your gateway device over your in-home network.
AT&T Wireless Internet in Rural Areas
The AT&T Wireless network utilizes 4G LTE, and 3G LTE tech—its 4G network extends to about 60% of the U.S., while the 3G network covers about 70%. Albeit, there are over 30 states where coverage is less than 90%.
Given the AT&T network speed is among the fastest three in the U.S., mobile broadband from the provider can become a viable rural internet option—for residents of areas that lack coverage from AT&T’s wired or fixed wireless network.
Because you can pair it with an AT&T mobile hotspot device and get a secure internet connection for your devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a USB cable. With download speeds over 30 Mbps on the AT&T 4G LTE network, this arrangement can do the job for your family with ease.
A problem may only occur when you are in an area where 4G coverage is unavailable, and AT&T Wireless service is delivered via 3G. But then again, AT&T has already announced it is rolling back the 3G network by 2022 and replacing it with 4G LTE.
Meaning AT&T Wireless is a real contestant for residential, rural internet services—that is, if fixed wireless and DSL options are either not available or not in line with your preferences.
The Best Rural Internet Options from AT&T
Now that we have walked you through the internet types available from AT&T in rural areas let’s give you an idea of what kind of plans and prices are offered.
AT&T IPBB & DSL Internet Plans & Prices
As we mentioned earlier, with an IPBB connection from AT&T, you can get speeds up to 100 Mbps, depending on your distance from the AT&T central node in the area. But, if you are farther away, available speeds may fall to basic level traditional DSL.
AT&T Internet is available standalone as well as in bundled packages—for instance, you can pair up your AT&T Internet with DIRECTV and save money for one full year of promo pricing available to new customers.
Not to forget the FREE installation benefit when you bundle AT&T services. But, whether or not you bundle, other benefits of an AT&T Internet plan include:
- A comprehensive online security suite with plans above 5 Mbps.
- Access to a nationwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Free email account(s) with unlimited storage.
AT&T Internet PlanPlan Features
AT&T Internet Basic (0.8-5 Mbps) $45/mo. for 12 months plus taxes and equipment. Fee Good for email, web surfing, downloading small files, social networking, downloading music, light video streaming, 1 T.B. data allowance.
AT&T Internet (10-75 Mbps) $45/mo. for 12 months plus taxes and equipment. fee Good for working for home, attending school online, email, web browsing, social networking, downloading music, video streaming, sharing media, and light online gaming, 1 T.B. data allowance
AT&T Internet (100 Mbps) $35/mo. for 12 months plus taxes and equipment. Fee Good for multiple users. Work from home or attend school online, stream H.D. video. Share media or play competitive online games, 1 T.B. data allowance.
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet Plans & Prices
As for AT&T fixed wireless internet, if traditional wireline service from AT&T is not available, you become eligible for AT&T Fixed Wireless. AT&T comes out to install the wireless equipment at your premises and sets you up to benefit from its fixed wireless network.
There is only a one-speed tier available given this connection type, so speed-wise there is not much of choice. In any case, speeds that get delivered are adequate for standard household usage. As with other AT&T internet types, you can pair up your AT&T Fixed Wireless with DIRECTV and enjoy a discount for the first 12 months.
AT&T Fixed Wireless PlanPlan Features
AT&T Fixed Wireless $69.99/mo. For 12 months plus taxes, Typical download speeds up to 25 Mbps. Good for email, web surfing, downloading medium-sized files, social networking, sharing media, downloading music, light video streaming. With ease, you can connect to more than one device and work from home with a 350GB data allowance.
AT&T Wireless Internet Plans & Prices
AT&T Wireless, with its unlimited 4G internet plans, is a great option for rural America. If you don’t mind moving away from the standard way of accessing the internet, an AT&T Wireless plan can come in very handy—and you can easily put it to everyone’s use via an AT&T hotspot device.
The best part is AT&T Wireless plans come with appealing service features and allow 5G access where available (provided your device(s) is 5G compatible). Moreover, when you bundle AT&T Wireless with DIRECTV, that is a bargain deal at a discounted rate for 12 months.
While you may consider AT&T Wireless as a last resort for your rural home. We’d suggest you give it a chance—with 4G soon replacing all 3G areas. And 5G coverage spreading fast across the U.S., you can land a value-packed deal with an Unlimited AT&T Wireless plan that fits your needs and pocket.
Wireless AT&T PlansPlan Features
AT&T Unlimited StarterSM $35/mo. per line (when you get four lines) Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.S., Canada, and Mexico Standard Mobile Security SD Streaming.
AT&T Unlimited ExtraSM $40/mo. per line (when you get four lines) Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.S., Canada, and Mexico with 50 G.B. Premium data Advanced Mobile Security 15 G.B. Hotspot data per line per month S.D. Streaming.
AT&T Unlimited EliteSM $50/mo. per line (when you get four lines) Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.S., Canada, and Mexico with 100GB Premium data Advanced Mobile Security 30 G.B. Hotspot data per line per month H.D. Streaming HBO MAX™ included ($14.99 value)
The Bottom Line
AT&T Fixed Wireless internet is an innovative solution for those seeking the best rural internet. And, as AT&T moves forward with spreading the reach of its fixed wireless network to more and more service locations. The probability of subscribing to it increases for everyone residing in these rural regions.
And, with wired copper internet now entering the rollback phase. It looks like shortly AT&T Fixed Wireless and AT&T Wireless (5G or 4G) will together shape two practical. These are affordable and valuable rural internet options.
If you find yourself interested in the AT&T Wireless plans for consumption in your rural home. Contact AT&T experts at 1-855-925-2541, and get pro advice about a suitable plan to subscribe to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is AT&T internet available in rural areas?
Given the AT&T network speed is among the fastest three in the U.S. Mobile broadband from the provider can become a viable rural internet option—for residents of areas that lack coverage from AT&T’s wired or fixed wireless network.
How much is the AT&T Fixed Wireless plan for?
AT&T Internet can deliver up to 25 Mbps with a 350 GB data allowance for $69.99 a month for a whole year. To know more about0 AT&T internet plans in rural areas, contact AT&T experts at 1-855-925-2541.
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