Broadband internet access gives users an Internet connection with a high data rate and low-latency, compared to that of dial-up service. Once available only in certain areas, broadband service is now available in most areas in the United States and in most countries worldwide. Some areas in the U.S. and in other countries do not have rural broadband.
Broadband internet connections allow a user to participate in online gaming, listen to internet radio, make voice-over internet phone calls (VoIP) and video conferences, and more. Internet speeds vary within service areas.
According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, basic broadband must have data transmission speeds of at least four megabits per second from the Internet to your computer, and one megabit per second from your computer to the Internet.
Often called “high speed,” broadband Internet access is much faster than traditional dial-up access and is much more convenient. It doesn’t tie up your phone line and your computer is always connected. Although connection speeds are not always reliably at the maximum as advertised, they tend to be much higher than dial-up.
Rural broadband offers rural customers high-speed Internet access and the demand has been high since first offered; unfortunately, service has not always been available to some customers. Demand requires specialized networks and equipment, which is not universally present. Fibre-optic communication is a recent development and it does not exist in all locations.
Some communities that do not have cable or telephone Internet services offer wireless service via hotspots and Wi-Fi networks. Other technologies that permit rural broadband include fixed 3G routers and fixed wireless “canopies.”
Yet another option for broadband Internet service is satellite broadband. This is the only option for many rural communities but it tends to be much more expensive than other means. As competition increases, the price of satellite Internet may decrease.