Top Reasons Why Rural Internet Service is Spotty
In the last few decades, Internet access has evolved from a luxury a few can afford to a human right. There is a well-documented digital gap between rural and urban areas when it comes to broadband internet access. Slow Internet connection or limited access to the web in rural areas can contribute to students falling behind academically, and employees having trouble at work, as more and more people are forced to work remotely in the times of the COVID crisis.
In 2015, 74 percent of households in urban areas in the US had access to broadband internet, compared with only 64 percent of rural households. The problem is not only the access, but also the quality of services in the latter. The quality of service frustrates customers if it is slow, expensive, and spotty. The mobile signal and internet connectivity in remote areas is poor, which makes digital services inaccessible and hinders the communication tools available in the local area. DSL, Satellite, dial-up, and hotspots are the main alternatives for rural internet users. Why is rural internet so bad?
High cost
It is much more efficient for telecommunications companies to install new lines in areas with high population density. It’s about basic economics - such areas have more customers to share fixed installation costs.
Natural barriers
In rural areas, physical barriers and the natural world present serious challenges. Installing fiber, which is the main player in the broadband scene, is not only expensive, but also logistically complicated in areas with harsh weather conditions. What is more, uneven terrains make it difficult to put the cables in the ground. The companies may also need to contend with lakes, rivers, and forests. The weather may also pose a challenge to connectivity. In the autumn, for example, leaves fall, and this may affect power lines and sensitive equipment.
Poor infrastructure
Cable and fiber lines have yet to be installed in many poorly developed areas, especially low-income ones. The internet service companies in rural areas have always been struggling to build out more infrastructure. Although most areas have Internet service at speeds of at least 10 Mbps today, the infrastructure capable of supporting broadband speeds of more than 25 Mbps is still not developed enough in remote areas. Apparently, copper and optic fiber cables are also relatively often dug up and stolen.
