Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Netflix?
Yes, our network has speeds that support streaming video on sites like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. Some packages are not designed to handle streaming video.
Do I need a phone line?
No. Rural Connect internet is wireless and does not require a phone line or cable connection.
Will my modem from my previous DSL/Cable internet provider work with Rural Connect?
No. DSL and cable internet runs over phone lines and coaxial cable respectively. That modem then converts from either phone or cable to data cable (Ethernet). All of our equipment uses Ethernet and will require a router instead of a modem to broadcast wireless in the house. More information is available below.
How does Wireless work?
We mount a radio on the outside of your home and point it to a nearby Rural Connect tower. The tower and the radio securely send and receive your Internet content.
From the outside radio, we run a cable into your home and connect one device. This can be a desktop, laptop or a wireless router which is what we suggest. This allows you to connect your wired and wireless devices to the Internet, so everyone in your home can get online. We will also secure (encrypt) the wireless broadcast by the router so others can’t “steal” your Internet at the time of installation if you would like.
Is Rural Connect wireless internet as reliable as Cable or DSL Internet?
Yes - Many people are under the impression that wireless is not reliable and have heard horror stories about wireless Internet constantly going out. The difference is in the installation standards. If your signal quality is marginal, we will not install service, avoiding headaches for you, and for our technicians.
How does wireless compare to Satellite, DSL, Air Cards, Cable, and Fiber-Optics?
Satellite - Most satellites are in orbit 22,500 miles away. That’s how far your data is traveling – so latency (the delay between the signal being sent and reaching its destination) is going to be much higher than just about any other option. By comparison, your nearest Rural Connect tower will often be less than 5 miles from your house. Rural Connect latency times are a fraction of that of satellite. Customers who switch from Satellite to Rural Connect are often amazed by the improvement in Internet speed and reliability.
DSL – Only available in towns, or within a certain distance to the DSL Central Office. Usually requires a phone line, so bundling with phone is almost always a must. Most DSL speeds are between 1 and 3 Mbps. Beware - the older the phone lines in your area, the slower and less reliable your DSL Internet connection can be. If you are looking to cancel your landline telephone and get Internet only, or you want more speed than DSL can provide, Rural Connect could be your solution.
Cable – It can be very fast. Cable providers rank highest on lists of companies with the worst customer service. Rural Connect’s speeds are not quite as fast as cable, but customers enjoy local, friendly, and knowledgeable support.
Fiber – It can be the fastest – but it’s not always. Providers can vary a lot – from the speeds they offer and how much they charge, to how long it takes to repair a cut fiber line and restore an outage. It’s not available everywhere and won’t be for years in areas that are not dense enough to support the cost involved in fiber construction.
With Rural Connect, we have the technology available and is in use to install micro towers in a rural community that needs fast internet in days, not months! Only requirement is to have 4 or 5 customers willing to connect with in a short distance of the mini tower.
Does weather affect Rural Connect internet?
Unlike satellite which can lose signal during heavy rain, weather does not typically affect the wireless signal. There are some exceptions to this, such as severe storms and ice. Lightening can sometimes damage tower equipment. Rural Connect monitors the network, so tower techs know when there is an outage and can work quickly to restore service.
Does Rural Connect charge for service visits?
If the issue lies with Rural Connect’s equipment – the outside radio, the cabling, and the power supply, we service this equipment free of charge.
If you want your house rewired, the radio moved or your computer ends up being the problem, then there would be a charge for the visit. Support Technicians can typically troubleshoot to determine if it is your equipment or Rural Connect’s, and you would be notified if a paid service visit is required.
Can I move residence while under contract?
Yes, if you move to a residence where Rural Connect is available, you can continue your contract.. Rural Connect charges a move fee of $100 to re-install equipment at your new location.
What if I need help?
Rural Connect is here to help! You can find tutorials and instructional guides on this website, and you can speak to a local technician over the phone or in person 5 days a week, Monday and Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM to 8 PM Wednesday thru Friday.
What if the internet is down?
Rural Connect monitors the entire network 24/7 and is notified when an outage occurs. If it is a tower issue, our tower crew is on call 24/7 and will be dispatched immediately based on weather conditions (ice, lightening, and etc). If the outage is power related service should come back up when power is restored from the electric company. Rural Connect Tech support extension 314 will have a message concerning the status so you can check if it is a network wide outage