DSL vs. Rural Internet: Which One Is Right for You?

Are you looking for the best internet connection to use for your home? Is your home in what’s considered a rural area? Is it far enough from town to be rural but not too far from town to be in a rural area?

In 2018, almost 84% of internet users bought goods or services online, spending $57.4 billion. If you shop online, a stable connection makes a great shopping experience.

However, getting a stable internet connection can be challenging if you don’t know which technology will work for your best.

We understand how it can be confusing for many about which internet services are best for them. Fret no more for we’re here to help you out. Read on below for a quick guide about DSL vs. Rural Internet.

1. What Is DSL and Rural Internet?

DSL stands for digital subscriber line. This internet type uses a phone line to bring high-bandwidth internet to your home. It’s a popular internet connection, especially for those who live in cities and urban areas.

With DSL internet, every subscriber has a dedicated circuit. This is like subscribing to phone service. However, DSL internet comes with a telephone line if you aren’t already using one in an existing network.

Unlike old internet connections, DSL uses the same lines without competing with your telephone. Thus, you can use your telephone at home to call without losing your internet connection. Companies that provide DSL connection provide the modem as part of the installation.

From its name, rural internet refers to the internet in rural parts of Canada. Many rural areas use services provided over satellite. However, as providers look into modern internet service, more are using new methods, like fixed wireless internet.

Though only 18% of Canadians live in rural areas, 90% of Canadian adults went online according to a 2018 report. In the same way that the internet is very helpful in your everyday life, it’s useful for farmers in rural areas too.

Today, more farmers use the internet to help them check data online and make decisions. Most use it to communicate with manufacturers, packers, and retailers. Others use the internet to check the weather, get market prices for crops or email pest control services.

2. Pros and Cons of DSL Internet

Do you often use the internet to shop online, browse, or stream music? Does your household have fewer than 3 internet users or devices? Are you looking for internet service with a set price, even after the promo period has ended?

If so, DSL internet is what you’re looking for. It’s also the ideal internet connection for you if you seldom play multiplayer online games. DSL connections are great for high-speed internet delivered over telephone lines.

In some remote areas, DSL is available even when cable connection isn’t. However, the cons of DSL internet is in its delivery type as well. Since DSL services rely on phone lines, your internet may be slow if you’re far from the access point.

DSL May Have Slower Speeds Compared to Other Types of Internet Connections.

DSL providers make up for this disadvantage with convenience. They offer term agreements that don’t last too long. Also, there’s no need for too much equipment to install a DSL internet connection.

Another big plus for DSL is that it has high bandwidth limits. This means you’re free to binge your favorites shows on Netflix in your free time. You can also use the time to study how to troubleshoot modem problems in case you get any.

The modems for DSL split signals for your phone and internet connection. It sends voice signals to lower frequencies and the internet connection on higher frequencies. Some providers at the forefront of DSL internet include AT&T;, Verizon, and Frontier.

3. Pros and Cons of Rural Internet

If you live in a rural area, getting rural internet is where you’ll benefit the most. Let us tell you why below. Note that we are referring to fixed wireless internet and NOT satellite internet in this section.

The biggest benefit of rural internet access is that it’s available in places where other ISP's have not bothered with. As long as you can see the sky from your front door, rural internet can be an option for you if you are in our coverage area.

All rural high-speed internet packages will have higher speeds than DSL. In this case, it’d be a great opportunity to use rural internet for gaming, streaming, and more. However, rural internet has a few disadvantages you should know of too.

Your rural internet connection boils down to having a clear line of sight to a local tower. If you don’t see the dish as an eyesore to your home aesthetic, this shouldn’t be a big deal. We handle setting up your dish, pointing it to the tower and everything else in-between.

4. Bottom Line: DSL vs. Rural Internet

Now, let’s get onto the main topic, which is better DSL or Rural Internet? Your choice will rely on the factors that affect your connection. Not everyone is in the same boat, especially when it comes to the locations of their homes.

For example, you may have some limits on DSL with a Datacap Vs Unlimited Data with Rural Internet. If you like streaming music or videos online, you should choose the fixed wireless connection. If you have other, offline ways of keeping yourself busy, you may be comfortable with DSL and that data cap.

Also, if your house is very far from a DSL access point, you should choose a satellite connection. This is because your DSL internet will be very slow if your house is at the end of a phone line run. Remember, the sky is the literal limit with rural internet connections.

If you’re likely to stay with the internet service provider for a while, choose rural internet. In the beginning, rural internet may seem like the more expensive option, but they don't play tricks with promo pricing. It’s a worthy investment, especially when you’re in a good location and you will know what your bill will be month after month.

Go Online and Get Connected

That’s it for our guide on DSL vs. Rural Internet. We hope you found this unbias guide helpful for choosing your internet connection type. Remember to try each option for a short trial period before you make a decision. Or you can ask your neighbors to see what is available in the area and see what they use.