A complete guide to rural broadband

Why is rural broadband so slow?

In the age of digital transformation, a fast and reliable internet connection is a necessity for both work and leisure. However, for many living in the countryside, sluggish broadband speeds are a daily frustration. Why is rural broadband lagging behind, and what can be done to bring it up to speed?

The challenge of connectivity in the countryside

While the rollout of full fibre services has brought improvements to rural broadband, many areas still grapple with subpar internet connectivity. The crux of the issue lies in the continued reliance on old copper phone wiring for ADSL and standard fibre broadband. This aging infrastructure is simply not up to the task of delivering high-speed internet, particularly in the countryside.

In rural locales, the distance from the street cabinet to homes can be considerable, which significantly diminishes internet speeds. Even with fibre broadband packages that promise faster speeds, the final leg of the journey over copper wires can lead to underwhelming performance.

Broadband options in rural areas

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand the types of broadband typically available in rural areas. To see what you can get where you live, make sure you use MoneySuperMarket’s postcode checker.

ADSL broadband: the basic service

Also known as standard broadband, ADSL is a basic service that uses copper phone lines to deliver the internet to your property. Speeds reach around 11Mbps, which may suffice for simple tasks like browsing and emailing, but can be inadequate for more demanding activities, especially if your home is far from the cabinet.

Standard fibre optic broadband

A lot of providers offer standard fibre broadband in rural areas. This setup involves fibre optic cables to the nearest street cabinet, with the remaining connection to your home via copper phone lines. While urban areas may enjoy speeds between 30Mbps and 75Mbps, rural homes might find the service comparable to ADSL due to the distance from the cabinet.

Full fibre broadband: a rural revolution

An increasing number of providers, including some area-specific companies like Gigaclear and Trooli, are now offering ‘full fibre’ or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband in rural areas. This is a huge boon for rural communities, as it means fibre runs straight into your home, delivering speeds of up to 1Gbps. More than half of the UK currently has access to full fibre, but rural areas still lag behind urban areas in terms of access.

Securing fibre broadband in rural areas

If you want fibre broadband and you live in a rural area, you’ll need to consider a number of factors. Before signing up, it's crucial to understand the location of the nearest street cabinet and the type of fibre technology available. Checking with Openreach or local councils for upcoming full fibre infrastructure plans can be informative, and don't overlook local providers who may be creating their own networks.

Mobile broadband: an alternative path

Mobile broadband can provide a convenient alternative to regular broadband if fixed lines fail to deliver. These home broadband routers tap into mobile networks, and options range from data-only SIMs for tablets to portable MiFi devices and tethered smartphones. For a decent connection, at least 4G is necessary, but for streaming or connecting multiple devices, 5G may be required. As mobile coverage can be spotty in rural areas, thorough research is essential before committing.

The timeline for fibre in rural areas

Openreach and Virgin are actively expanding their full fibre networks. Residents can use Openreach’s fibre broadband checker to track progress in their area. Moreover, engaging with local businesses and politicians can help advocate for service extensions, aligning with the government's target to provide full fibre to most by 2025.

Satellite broadband: a universal solution

Satellite broadband circumvents the limitations of copper wires, offering universal availability via a dedicated satellite dish. While more costly and typically slower than full fibre, with potential download limits, it remains a viable option for those without other choices. Services like Starlink are emerging as contenders, though they require a special satellite dish, not a standard Sky dish.

Is internet more expensive in rural areas?

Interestingly, ADSL and fibre services are not inherently pricier in rural settings. However, the need for alternatives like satellite broadband or fixed wireless services due to speed and availability issues can drive up costs. For some, the investment in a dedicated fibre line to their property, though expensive, may be the only solution to achieve desired speeds.

Providers specialising in rural broadband

Major providers such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and others offer rural broadband via the Openreach network. Meanwhile, local companies like Gigaclear are at the forefront of delivering high-quality rural broadband, with a presence in 26 counties. Our postcode checker is a valuable tool to see what's available in your area.

Speeding up your internet

Sometimes you can boost your own internet speeds without having to change providers. Check out our guide on how to improve your internet speed for more. Simple tweaks and upgrades can make a noticeable difference to your online experience.

The quest for better broadband in rural areas is a complex one, with a mix of technological, geographical, and economic challenges. Yet, with ongoing infrastructure developments, emerging technologies, and a growing number of providers focusing on rural connectivity, the future looks brighter. It's a matter of when, not if, rural broadband will catch up to its urban counterpart.