Fixed Wireless vs. Satellite Internet for Rural Businesses
We've got some great deals going on right now exclusively for our online customers... chat now to hear more! Author: Shane Schick,Date published: September 30, 2025,Research suggests almost 30% of was conducted online. However, while many can enjoy the benefits of , there remains a digital divide, particularly between urban and rural America. The that approximately 26 million Americans are denied access to broadband, mostly in rural communities. As CNET noted in a primer iformerly published on , some businesses in rural areas may need to consider fixed wireless vs. satellite services as their only available connectivity options. This is because these two options do not require cable infrastructure. Instead, both use a fixed receiver or antennae to access the web. Satellites orbiting the earth can be used to provide internet connectivity and other services in rural areas. A satellite dish serves as an antenna, and although the speeds are typically not as fast as fiber or cable, and signals are more likely to be affected by rain attenuation, satellites can help provide the essential connectivity a rural business needs. Meanwhile, fixed wireless internet involves sending radio waves from transceivers to base stations. As the name implies, these are stationary or fixed antennae that don't move. The CNET article noted that these receivers and antennae are much smaller than a satellite dish. This article explores both options to help you decide what the best business internet option is for your rural business. Relevant considerations for your checklist include:,There are a range of free online tools—such as and —that can provide general guidance on the availability of satellite and fixed wireless business internet (FWA) in your area, although it is best to reach out directly to your provider to determine specific availability. The availability of FWA will depend in part on whether your business is within the coverage area. Your exact location will be important to the quality of service as hills, trees, buildings or other obstacles nearby can distort your connection. Line-of-sight considerations are generally less important in , where structures such as grain elevators and grain dryers may be used to host wireless equipment. Businesses that move locations frequently, such as the , can use fixed wireless business internet delivered wirelessly through a modem that's self-installed in a site trailer. This means the connectivity can be moved with the trailer from location to location onsite (or to other construction sites entirely) without interrupting service anywhere within the coverage area. between 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and 500 Mbps depending on the location and price of the plan. The average speed is more likely 10-35 Mbps. can range from 3-1000 Mbps, although the is more likely 25-50 Mbps. Reduced latency and low power consumption are seen as , and these capabilities will facilitate greater use of applications such as intelligent transportation systems, industrial automation and real-time professional audio. Business Tech Planet made a strong case for the due to potential congestion issues with satellite services, a greater risk of impact from weather conditions and higher latency due to how far satellite signals need to travel. Strong, consistent and reliable internet coverage will be more important for businesses constantly requiring access for cloud-based applications. Learn more about how a trusted provider can help you choose the . Call sales,Chat with us,Have us contact you,Get updates,Already have an account?,* Required,The information provided will be used in accordance with our terms set out in our . Please confirm you have read and understood this Notice,Verizon may wish to contact you in the future concerning its products and/or services. 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