Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

Last Updated: December 6, 2013

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Those who live in rural America enjoy all the perks that come with country life, such as fresh air, wide open spaces, and a slower pace of life. Unfortunately, if you have to stay connected, life in a rural setting can also mean a slower Internet connection. It’s just one of the compromises you have to make.

However, when cable or DSL is not an option, the rural Internet options available to us now have improved over the years, meaning — for most, at least — we are steps ahead of dial-up these days.

Satellite Above

For many living in a rural setting, satellite is one of the top options for Internet. This service works in a similar fashion as satellite TV, meaning the satellite is placed in orbit and enables the satellite dish installed at your house to connect with the orbiting satellite. An important thing to keep in mind with satellite service is that the southward view of the sky, where you place your satellite dish, must be unobstructed.

Some of the top satellite Internet providers are:

HughesNet
Pricing/Service: Plans starting at $39.99 and includes speeds up to 15 Mpbs
Dish
Pricing/Service: Service starting at $39.95 and includes speeds up to 10 Mbps
Exede
Pricing/Service: Service starting at $39.99 and includes speeds up to 12 Mpbs

Mobile Wireless Broadband

Other rural Internet options include a wireless broadband service offered by companies like AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. These carriers have different service plans which include the use of a mobile hotspot, such as a MiFi, which allows for several devices to connect to a Internet hotspot. Keep in mind, if you have several users on at once, and they are using up some serious bandwidth watching movies or playing online games, it could affect your overall Internet speed. (You can always run a bandwidth test to see what speeds you are getting with your MiFi.) In addition to using something as a standalone MiFi for Internet only, you can also use the tethering feature available on many smartphones or tablets, which turns your device into a hotspot. Be sure to check with your provider to learn about any additional costs for using the tethering feature on your mobile devices.

Wireless Broadband

You may want to see if there is a WISP — a Wireless Internet Service Provider — servicing the area you live in. The service is often available from a local ISP and usually works by using a point to point connection. The provider may need to install equipment, such as a small antenna to the top of your home, which then will communicate with their equipment which is often placed in an elevated location, such as a radio tower.

Photo credit: Flickr

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

Changing Wireless Bands: Broad-Spectrum Issues?

Last Updated: December 5, 2013

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Everyone wants data. Smartphones consume 24 times more data than traditional cell phones, while tablets use a whopping 120 times more, according to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To transmit all this data, carriers are buying up virtual tracts of land, known as the wireless spectrum or wireless bands, but there’s a problem: Room is running out. What happens when there’s no more space for streaming data?

Mega Hurts

Think of the wireless spectrum like FM radio. In a given area, no two carriers can transmit over the same frequency at the same time or they create interference. To deal with this problem, the FCC has auctioned off parts of the spectrum to companies, usually between 700 megahertz (MHz) and 2.6 gigahertz (Ghz). The rapid increase in smartphone and tablet use, coupled with network improvements such as LTE and 4G, has significantly increased the amount of data downloaded and uploaded by users, leaving wireless providers scrambling to buy more of the spectrum. The FCC now has two issues: First, do they allow big carriers to buy up all available space and force out small players? Second — and perhaps more importantly — where do they get more space to sell?

White Noise

According to a recent CNET article, the FCC wants to free up an additional 500 MHz of space by 2020. To do so, it has several options. It can wait for other government agencies to give up claims on wireless bands, or it can change the rules for blocks of spectrum such as satellites and then sell them to the highest bidder.

Another option is an “incentive auction,” aimed at getting TV providers to sell portions of their owned but unused spectrum at a premium. As reported by GigaOM, Google has already received permission to create a database of this “white space” and allow public access, letting users set up hot spot wireless networks almost anywhere and without interfering with other local signals. Expect that white space to shrink, however, as the FCC tries to convince television providers to sell their share of the coveted 600 to 700 MHz section of the wireless spectrum. The “600 block,” as it’s commonly known, is extremely valuable, not just because wireless space is at a premium but because these low-frequency signals can penetrate buildings, in turn providing far more reliable coverage in urban areas.

Time Will Tell

So far, there’s no word on exactly which wireless bands are up for grabs or exactly where the FCC will find another 500 MHz by 2020. In fact, some experts argue that even that much space won’t be enough as mobile device adoption increases along with user expectation. It’s possible portions of the spectrum may become unusable as companies “hold out” to prevent competitors from gaining a foothold or deploying new technology, but this may prompt government intervention or even sanctions if it goes too far.

The wireless bands aren’t full — at least not yet — and there are still white spaces out there available for public use. The market is shrinking, however, prompting bands to shift, narrow, or disappear altogether.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

The Best WiFi Router for Streaming Video: 3 Options

Last Updated: November 18, 2013

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If you want to start streaming to your TV (or say, Chromecast) and you’re just not able to connect an Ethernet cable directly, then you need a WiFi router — and with Chromecast, you need a WiFi router, period!

So, maybe you have one already, from 5 years ago, but have noticed how bad it performs when streaming video. Here’s the truth about WiFi: If you don’t go big, you get poor streaming (take into account your bandwidth as well — make sure you perform a speed test regularly). But don’t worry, “big” is only $136-$220, a one-time expense for a router that will last you at least three to five years. Plus, you don’t want to “cheapen” your streaming video experience. Face it. It’s time to upgrade!

So, here are some WiFi routers that are both cost effective and able to deliver high performance for streaming video:

Trednet TEW-812DRU AC1750 Dual-Band Wireless Router

At $136, this is the most affordable WiFi router with the best performance, plus, it’s incredibly easy to use. Another great feature, not available on most routers: you can set up as many as four main WiFi networks (and another four guest WiFi networks on each band). That is sixteen concurrent WiFi networks!

The router has good range (but not as insane as the others listed here), but with solid performance and cheap pricing — for a router — this one is a great alternative to super-high-end routers and perfect for streaming video and playing online games.

D-Link DIR-866L

At $160 dollars, this is a much better router for the price. You get a fast router, with great WiFi coverage, plus, USB 3.0 support.

It has a vertical cylindrical design and includes common features found in high-end routers including guest networking, iPv6, port forwarding, QoS (quality of service), and firewall. What you have is an advanced router, for a more reasonable price.

Asus RT-AC86U Dual-Band Wireless-AC 1900 GB Router

At $220 dollars, this WiFi router is specifically for video streaming aficionados (and gamers). You can simply do anything with this router: online game, mobile game, mobile Skype, Chromecast, Netflix streaming, you name it.

This is a powerful router, with huge range (remember: when streaming video to your TV over WiFi, your worst enemy is lag and buffering). This is the “no-holds barred” cyber-behemoth of routers, so if you want the best, here it is.

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

Miracast: An HDMI Alternative?

Last Updated: November 15, 2013

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Most consumers are familiar with high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables. Over the last five years, these cables have become the de facto standard for televisions and gaming devices, offering better picture resolution and signal bandwidth than devices supported by “component” cables. In addition, more advanced versions of HDMI support 3D graphics, higher refresh rates such as 120 Hertz, and even Ethernet connectivity. But despite all these advantages, there’s a new, wireless technology which may supplant HDMI as consumers’ top choice: Miracast.

Mirror, Mirror

The idea behind this technology is quite simple, according to CNET — the wireless delivery of high-definition video signals from desktops, tablets, or smartphones to other devices such as televisions. Miracast supports 1080p resolution and 5.1 surround-sound audio for television, is already part of the Android 4.2 operating system, and is certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Instead of requiring a cable and two HDMI-capable devices, however, the technology only requires you to have one supported device and, in the case of televisions, a dongle — which go for $40 to $60 at many online retailers. Once the two devices “find” each other, a wireless connection is established much like Bluetooth: instead of using a home’s existing wireless network, the devices form a onetime, secure connection to each other.

Anything displayed on your smartphone or tablet will then be displayed on your television; if your device shuts off, your TV will also go black. While this codependency might sound like a handicap, it actually works in Miracast’s favor. Since videos, apps, and music are mirrored directly from device to device, there’s no need for an application to “support” them at the receiving end. In addition, this mirroring means you can play DRM-enabled (digital rights management) content with no problems.

A Better Option?

This technology has been on the market for several years but is only now starting to establish a foothold. This is, in part, because short-range wireless networks have been historically over-matched by cable alternatives — here, however, Miracast really can compete with HDMI in terms of quality and price. There are several caveats, though. Connection to a television or computer drains any device quickly, so make sure to have it plugged in during use. In addition, some dongles experience lag or difficulty establishing a connection, and older smartphones don’t support multitasking, meaning once a device is creating Miracast content it’s effectively locked. Sony and LG — to name a few — have already produced multitask-friendly phones.

Miracast offers a wireless version of HDMI with equivalent quality but without the need for HDMI ports at each end. Short-range wireless and true mirroring make this a technology to watch as the smartphone and television end-user experience evolves.

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

How to Get a Lower Internet Bill

Last Updated: November 14, 2013

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In the early days of broadband, it was common to see Internet plans offering unlimited amounts of data. However, many Internet providers today are adopting alternative billing models to keep pace with the surge of demand for high-speed Internet. Regardless of whether your provider bills you per gigabyte or you are subject to throttling which occurs after a threshold is met, you can get a lower Internet bill by following a few simple tips:

Use Free WiFi When Possible

A little-known fact for cable customers is that many cable companies are now offering high-speed WiFi access in many locations across the US at no charge to their customers. In many cases, this service is designed to help customers bypass the astronomical costs of cellular data when on the go. If you often travel outside your cable company’s territory, thanks to mutual arrangements from multiple cable companies, you can continue using the complementary WiFi even while traveling.

Even if you aren’t a cable customer, many restaurants and businesses offer WiFi at no charge to customers. Although many road warriors use these networks for their laptops, almost every modern smartphone supports WiFi, meaning if you expect to be at a location for a while, you can save a bit of data by connecting your smartphone to the wireless network.

How to Save Data at Home and get a lower internet bill

Although cellular data is typically the biggest area of focus for consumers who want to lower their Internet bill, there are a few simple tips you can take to keep your home Internet costs in check. One of the biggest areas for excessive Internet usage is BitTorrent and other forms of peer-to-peer file sharing. While these services can be used for legitimate purposes, many Internet providers look down on such programs due to piracy concerns.

While avoiding BitTorrent at all costs isn’t practical for all users, if you disable BitTorrent uploads in your client, you can greatly improve your standing with your Internet company since you won’t be running a server for other people to download content. Streaming content is another activity that can use of significant amounts of data. However, most Internet providers target heavy BitTorrent users due to privacy concerns. Streaming content, on the other hand, is unlikely to cause issues, since it often is legitimate.

Despite many Internet providers’ rising rates to compensate for high Internet demand, you don’t have to pay a premium for such services. By following the simple tips mentioned above, you can get a lower Internet bill.

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Comparing Wireless Phone Chargers

Last Updated: November 11, 2013

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Although smartphones have gotten more powerful over the past few years, battery life is one of the few areas where technology has failed to keep up. Smartphone manufacturers place an emphasis on having the latest and greatest features, but battery life has always remained a significant issue as consumers demanding increasingly powerful phones. Fortunately, a new breed of affordable wireless phone chargers is available to make powering your phone a bit less of a pain. With these chargers, you simply place your phone on the charging surface and you are good to go. No more worrying about cables and the mess that comes with them.

RAVPower Qi-Enabled Wireless Phone Chargers

Aside from getting high reviews for many of their products on review sites, the RAVPower charger makes this list because it is compatible with many phones — such as the Nexus 7, Nokia Lumia 920, and the HTC 8X — without requiring a special case. This is because these phones, as well as many others, support Qi inductive charging technology, which allows a phone to charge without cases. For other popular phones, such as the Galaxy S3 and S4 and iPhone 5s/5c, a special case is required to make the charger work.

For users who don’t need a specialized case for the wireless charger, it is important to note that cases thicker than 5 mm/0.2 inches thick can prevent charging — meaning users of heavy-duty cases will need to stick with cables for their charging needs.

Koolpad Qi Wireless Charger Pad

As with the RAVPower wireless phone charger, the Koolpad Qi wireless phone charger is designed to work with phones that are Qi equipped. Additionally, if your phone doesn’t have Qi technology built in, you can add it on by using a compatible case.

The Koolpad is different from similar chargers because, according to the manufacturer, the model has a higher energy efficiency than competing models. Also, the device runs cooler, causing it to put less stress on your phone’s battery.

Overall, when choosing between wireless phone chargers, it is crucial to look at user reviews and ensure that the technology works with your phone. As technology is always rapidly evolving, you should remember that you may need to upgrade your wireless chargers over time, to keep pace as technology evolves.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

Your Home Wireless Network: Getting It Right the First Time

Last Updated: August 27, 2013

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If want to send emails from your laptop in the backyard, play games on a desktop without the need for an Ethernet cord, or make sure you don’t go over your tablet’s 4G data plan limit for the month, you need a home wireless network. By taking advantage of broadband Internet access you already pay for, and with just a few additional pieces of technology, you can create a strong, secure wireless local area network (WLAN). Here are some best-practice tips:

Tip #1. Get the Right Hardware

You don’t need much to get your WLAN up and running. First are “access points,” which link up with your existing broadband Ethernet connection. These often take the form of wireless routers, allowing multiple devices to connect to the Internet at the same time. They have connection ports at the back for your Ethernet cable and many also double as “wired” routers, allowing you to connect computers directly using cables while broadcasting a wireless signal throughout your home. If you have trouble picking up the wireless signal in the basement or far corners of your backyard, consider adding what’s known as a “signal booster” to your access point or router. This increases the range of your network and may improve overall performance (remember: a mobile speed test is ideal for testing your home network).

Also bear in mind that any device you want to connect to your home wireless network needs a wireless adapter. Tablets and most current laptops come with these adapters built in, but older model desktops may not, meaning you’ll need to either buy an adapter or wire the computer to the router.

Tip #2. Secure Setup

If not properly configured and secured, your WLAN is free for the taking, since anyone driving by with a laptop or tablet can hijack your signal and start downloading songs or movies. To secure your network, start with your router: Open up a Web browser and enter your router’s default IP address. Most use http://192.168.1.1, but check the router’s manual to make sure. Expect to see username and password boxes pop up, but don’t worry — most use “admin” for both. Again, consult your router’s documentation.

Once you have administrator access, there are two things you need to set up. First, give your home wireless network a name — also known as an SSID — which distinguishes it from other networks in the area. If a friend comes over to visit, for example, and uses her device to search for WLANs, you want to be certain which one is yours. Next, set up a password for your network using the WPA/WPA2 standard. Pick one that isn’t easily guessed and change it periodically to avoid your network being compromised. Most devices will remember the password once you enter it the first time.

The price of wireless technology has come down in recent years, as has its complexity. With the right hardware and solid understanding of the basics, you can have a secure home wireless network up and running in less than a day.

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Learn What Are the Best Rural Internet Options?

5G Network Technology: What, When and Why?

Last Updated: June 27, 2013

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While 4G wireless networks aren’t even fully available across the United States, the next generation, 5G network technology, is waiting in the wings. It is important to realize that these wireless networking monikers, 3G, 4G, etc., are more of an arbitrary distinction than a true scientific indicator. That said, expect 5G technology to show a marked improvement in data throughput over 4G.

What is 5G Wireless Technology and When will it Appear?

In short, 5G wireless networking is the next evolutionary step in mobile communications technology. A new “G” tends to appear every 10 years or so. 3G phones started to become widely used soon after the turn of the century, and the first 4G networks began to show up around 2010.

Samsung is currently working on a 5G wireless network and expects to begin deployment of the technology sometime around 2020. In testing, the network has shown speeds of up to 1 Gbps and the company hopes to reach 10 Gbps before the time of commercial deployment. For comparison’s sake, current 4G technology maxes out at 100 Mbps. You speed test your current internet by accessing BandwidthPlace from your mobile phone. It leverages HTML5 technology to enable testing without having to download an app.

Some skeptics feel there isn’t the frequency spectrum space for the additional bandwidth needed for 5G technology. Because of this, some pundits speculate that other technical and pricing enhancements, like longer battery life, better coverage area and the return of unlimited monthly wireless access fees will be included under the 5G moniker, if wide deployment of the technology becomes impossible due to frequency spectrum issues.

Why should I Worry about the 5G Network?

Consider that even if the frequency spectrum is available, 5G wireless technology is still six to seven years away. When and if it becomes commercially available, expect data throughput speeds rivaling the fastest current wired connections. Some of the talked about improvements to wireless technology, like improved battery life and unlimited monthly wireless access, need to be implemented by the large carriers today, whether or not 5G becomes a reality by the end of the decade.