What Is a Good Internet Speed in Rural Areas?
A good internet speed is often defined as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. However, if your household has multiple users streaming HD videos, working or attending school remotely, or gaming, these speeds may not cut it. While fast internet options in rural areas have traditionally fallen short, Resound Networks is closing the digital divide.
In this article, we look at:
- Why internet speed matters more in rural homes
- What “good” internet speed means for basic and heavy use
- How speed affects your ability to stream, work, and connect
- Why many rural areas fall short — and how Resound changes that
- How to check your current speed and upgrade if needed
Read on for more information on what to expect from internet speed in rural areas.
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Why Internet Speed Matters More in Rural Homes
As a rural resident, you get to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with living away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, that distance can also mean fewer in-person amenities and services.
For many rural families, the internet is essential for daily life. It supports everything from remote work and online school to virtual doctor’s visits and home security monitoring. With limited access to nearby services, a fast and reliable internet connection isn’t just a matter of convenience — it’s critical.
Unfortunately, those who need it typically have the fewest options. Unlike city dwellers, rural homeowners often face limited choices for high-speed internet. The good news is that Resound Networks is closing the digital divide with cutting-edge high-speed internet technology.
What “Good” Internet Speed Means for Basic and Heavy Use
The Federal Communications Commission defines “good” internet speed as 25 Mbps for downloading and 3 Mbps for uploading. However, this definition may be outdated. If you’re only running basic tasks such as email, light web browsing, and music streaming, 10-25 Mbps is usually fine.
However, if your household has multiple internet users and you stream all your television shows and movies or work remotely, you likely need faster speeds of 50-100 Mbps. Gamers, remote workers who participate in video calls regularly, and those who stream 4K content may need speeds closer to 100-300 Mbps.
To decide what’s best for your home, consider the number of users, the number of devices, and the number and frequency of online activities you engage in.
How Speed Affects Your Ability to Stream, Work, and Connect
A slow internet connection doesn’t just make routine online tasks frustrating — it can make them impossible. Inadequate internet speeds lead to buffering during streaming TV shows and movies, lag during gaming, and a limited ability to run smart home devices and security systems.
If you’re working from home, slow internet poses an entirely different set of challenges, from dropped calls during virtual meetings to long upload times for work files. These issues can hurt your productivity and make it harder to present your best self to your supervisors, coworkers, or clients.
Why Many Rural Areas Fall Short — and How Resound Changes That
Some places have not been given the advantage of high-speed internet yet. Providers tend to invest in more densely populated areas and skip rural zones due to infrastructure costs.
Until now, your most accessible internet option in a rural community has likely been DSL or satellite services, which offer slower, less reliable speeds. Relying on a cellular plan is a good workaround for some, but data caps make it impractical for households with high usage. Fiber internet has superior performance, but it often isn’t available outside city limits.
Fortunately, Resound Networks is bringing communities in rural zip codes up to speed. We use cutting-edge fixed wireless and fiber-backed networks to deliver high speeds in regions that other providers may have left behind. Our plans feature competitive download speeds and affordable scalability, providing fast service for homes and small businesses.
How to Check Your Current Speed and Upgrade if Needed
Wondering whether upgrading your internet is a good option for your household? Use an online speed test tool to measure download and upload performance and compare the results to your household’s needs.
It may be time to switch if you regularly experience dropped video calls, gaming lag, or buffering during streaming. At Resound Networks, we offer local support and simple tools to help you get the most from your internet connection.