Best High-Speed Internet Providers for Small Towns

1. Point Broadband

Point Broadband’s mission is to deliver superior broadband to small town America, making it one of the best high-speed internet providers for small towns. Its fiber-optic technology ensures consistent connectivity, even in rural areas.

Connection Type: Fiber

Starting Price: Available upon request

Speeds: Up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps)

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Coverage in 10 states

A fiber-optic network provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it superior to cable, fixed wireless, satellite and fifth-generation (5G) cellular technology. For reference, it is 25 times faster than cable.

Standout Features

Point Broadband offre two packages. The first is the Point Fiber plan, which is a fiber-to-the-premises network. It connects directly to your home, giving you up to 2 Gbps download and upload.

The second is Point Air Connect, a fixed wireless package. It delivers a fiber-based wireless signal from a nearby transmitter. You get up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps). Whichever plan you choose, you will not have to enter into a contract.

Point Broadband even goes as far as to offer a contract relief program, where you receive a $200 credit in exchange for a copy of your bill. It is meant to ease your transition to your new internet plan.

Equipment Expectations

You do not have to own or buy a router, modem or Wi-Fi gateway. Point Broadband provides every device you will need to get started.

Customer Service

This internet service provider has best-in-class customer service. Text or call agents during standard business hours from Monday through Saturday. Outside of those times, you can interact with the Point Broadband Bot via 24/7 live chat.

Alternatively, you can fill out a contact form to automatically enter the support queue. Generally, you will get a response within 24 hours.

2. T-Mobile

In recent years, T-Mobile has invested billions to bring 5G coverage to small towns across America so you can access fast, affordable rural internet service.

Connection Type: Over-the-air 5G

Starting Price: From $35 monthly

Speeds: Up to 415 Mbps

Data Cap: 1.2 Terabytes

Service Availability: Nationwide

The $35 starting price is only available with the $5 autopay discount and a bundled T-Mobile voice plan. Without either discount, you pay $55 monthly.

Also, while the speed can reach up to 415 Mbps, it ranges from 134 to 415 Mbps. Upload falls between 12 and 55 Mbps. Location and time of day may impact downloads. Some customers experience speeds below or above those ranges.

Standout Features

T-Mobile has three internet plans. Per month, Rely is $50, Amplified is $60 and All-In is $70. These prices include the monthly autopay discount. The most expensive plan comes with security protections and live video support. You also get Hulu and Paramount+ subscriptions.

Each plan comes with price lock, protecting you from price hikes. Since there are no annual contracts, you do not have to worry about your rates raising — you can always find another rural internet service provider.

T-Mobile offers a 15-day trial period to new customers. If you are unsatisfied by the service, you can get a full refund.

Equipment Expectations

You do not have to buy equipment. Everything you need is included in the cost of your plan. The company even provides free two-day shipping so you can get set up as soon as possible. Installation takes 15 minutes or less.

There are no monthly usage fees, either. However, if you return the Wi-Fi gateway damage, you may have to pay a fee of up to $370.

Customer Service

T-Mobile’s technical support team is available around the clock. You can reach them by phone, online or through the app.

3. Starlink

The SpaceX internet service Starlink is made up of the largest satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit. It provides mobile broadband to dozens of countries worldwide.

Connection Type: Satellite

Starting Price: From $50 monthly

Speeds: Up to 300 Mbps

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Nationwide

Starlink’s speeds vary by location. Internet in Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina is slower than in the rest of the country. However, the upper range is well above 150 Mbps for every state.

Standout Features

While Starlink offers roaming, the Residential plan is for fixed locations only. You can get it for $120 monthly. Download ranges from 30 to 150 Mbps, while upload goes from 8 to 20 Mbps.

With the Residential Lite plan, you may see higher latency during peak hours. However, you pay $80 per month instead of $120. Download is capped at 100 Mbps. Upload ranges from 5 to 25 Mbps. This service is available in 35 states.

With Starlink, you do not have to enter into any long-term contract. You can test out the service with a 30-day free trial.

Equipment Expectations

You will have to buy equipment to use this service — and it is a substantial investment. The standard Starlink Kit comes with an antenna, kickstand, router, cables and power supply. It costs $349 as of 2025.

There are also miniature, high performance and enterprise options available. Prices vary. You can pay a technician to install it on your roof if you are unable. The company may charge a one-time congestion fee.

Customer Service

Agents are available 24/7 and can speak multiple languages, which is convenient. You contact support by creating a ticket describing your issue. Someone will respond via text message or phone as soon as possible.

If you use the app to contact customer support, it sends diagnostic information from your system that may help technicians resolve your problem faster. Alternatively, you can go online.

4. Kinetic

With an extensive coverage area and 99.9% reliability, Kinetic is among the best internet service providers for small town America.

Connection Type: Fiber

Starting Price: From $24.99 monthly

Starting Speed: Up to 2 Gbps

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Coverage in 18 states

Kinetic’s $24.99 starting price is an introductory rate for the 100 Mbps plan. It is only available for 12 months. After that, you pay $44.99 per month.

Standout Features

Although Kinetic has a price hike after your first year of service, understand that you can cancel anytime without penalty because there are no annual contracts.

There are two plans aside from the 100 Mbps package. You can choose between 1 and 2 Gbps for $69.99 or $99.99, respectively. Both come with a two-year price guarantee.

Whichever you choose, you get access to the Whole Home Wi-Fi Set Up service. A certified technician installs equipment to optimize your network, eliminating dead spots. While it is valued at $160, it is free with the purchase of any internet plan.

Equipment Expectations

If you do not have a modem, Kinetic will provide one. However, monthly equipment fees may apply. Also, you have to return the device undamaged when you terminate the service or you will be charged a one-time fee of $100.

Customer Service

Technical support staff is available Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. If you have a billing question, you can reach someone from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. For any nonurgent matter, send an email. You will get a response within two business days.

5. CenturyLink

CenturyLink is another internet service provider with 99.9% uptime, making it a great choice for rural areas.

Connection Type: Satellite or fixed wireless

Starting Price: From $55 monthly

Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Coverage in 36 states

CenturyLink’s fiber networks are only available in towns and major urban areas. While the company is actively expanding into new areas, you may not be able to get fiber in 2025.

Standout Features

Like other top-rated internet service providers, CenturyLink has no annual contracts and does not charge a termination fee. Even better, it does not offer promotional rates that expire after a few months or require you to bundle your phone and internet to receive the best discounts.

Plans vary by location. Depending on your state, you can get anywhere from 10 to 100 Mbps download speeds. Generally, upload is under 10 Mbps.

Equipment Expectations

If you do not own equipment, you can lease a modem for a monthly fee. Alternatively, you can purchase one outright for $200. However, you have to pay a one-time install fee of $149.

Customer Service

Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. The live chat is more convenient because it is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT.

6. HughesNet

Since HughesNet uses a satellite network, it is available even in the most rural residential areas.

Connection Type: Satellite

Starting Price: From $74.99

Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps

Data Cap: Limited priority data. Unlimited standard data

Service Availability: Nationwide

The $74.99 starting price is an introductory rate. After 12 months, it increases. Since the contract requires a 24-month commitment, you have to stay for at least another year at the higher rate. Early service termination fees apply.

Standout Features

With the Select Plan, you get up to 50 Mbps and 100 gigabytes (GBs) of priority data at the $74.99 introductory rate.

The Elite Plan is $88.99 for 12 months. This $14 difference doubles your download speed and priority data, getting you up to 100 Mbps and 200 GBs.

Equipment Expectations

You do not need to buy equipment. HughesNet provides everything, including the modem, power supply and satellite dish — or the antenna and multipath device if you have fiber. Expert technicians install the system to ensure optimal performance throughout your home.

Remember to return every device within 45 days of service cancellation. This provider charges a $300 to $500 unreturned equipment fee.

Customer Service

The customer service team is available 24/7 via phone or live chat. Alternatively, you can use the community forum to discuss problems with other customers.

7. AT&T Internet Air

You do not have to be an AT&T Wireless customer to get AT&T Internet Air — the company’s cutting-edge residential internet service.

Connection Type: Over-the-air 5G

Starting Price: From $59.99 monthly

Speeds: Up to 300 Mbps

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Coverage in 42 states

AT&T Internet Air is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut or Rhode Island. 5G coverage is not nationwide, either.

If you can use AT&T Internet Air, your download speeds will be 90 to 300 Mbps. Upload ranges from 8 to 30 Mbps.

Standout Features

AT&T will not increase your price after 12 months. Also, it does not have annual contracts or charge overage fees.

Like most top-rated internet service providers, AT&T offers a $5 monthly discount if you enroll in autopay and paperless billing.

Since AT&T is mainly a telecommunications company, it provides discounts for bundling cellular services. You could save 20% per month on Internet Air with an eligible unlimited AT&T wireless plan if you add it within 24 hours after checkout.

Equipment Expectations

Equipment installation is self-directed, but do not worry — you can have everything set up and runnin in under 15 minutes. Your AT&T-provided Wi-Fi gateway connects your home to ithe broadband network. There are no monthly equipment fees.

Customer Service

Technical and billing support agents can resolve your problems Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. Some are available Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.

8. Rise Broadband

Rise Broadband may not top this list, but it is still among the best options available in small town America. While its speeds are not the highest, its offerings are much better than the 5 Mbps you would get with DSL.

Connection Type: Fixed wireless and fiber

Starting Price: Available upon request

Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps

Data Cap: Unlimited data

Service Availability: Coverage in 16 states

Coverage centered around the Midwest and Northwest, dipping into some Southern states. The East and West coasts are excluded. Moreover, even among states within the service area, there are gaps.

Standout Features

The benefit of fixed wireless internet is that it utilizes nearby towers, improving reliability. Come rain, wind or snow, your download and upload will remain consistent.

Rise Broadband has 25 Mbps and 50 Mbps fixed wireless plans for $75 monthly. If you live in an area where this provider is rolling out a fiber network, you could get up to 1 Gbps. Regardless of which you choose, you do not have to enter into a contract.

Equipment Expectations

Rise Broadband is one of the few internet providers that offers cutting-edge solutions tailored for smart homes. The Advanced plan extends up to 2,200 square feet with one Wi-Fi 6 router for $15 monthly. The Premium plan covers nearly double that for $20 monthly.

The mesh solution uses three Wi-Fi 6 routers to cover a 5,000-square-foot area. With these devices, you can connect up to 150 internet-enabled devices. It costs $25 monthly.

Customer Service

You can reach Rise Broadband’s customer care staff from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT. Technical support is available weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT. If you have a nonurgent issue, you can send an email.

Pick One of the Best Internet Providers for Small Towns

How do you decide which of the best high-speed internet providers for small towns to pick? Start by looking at the starting prices, maximum speeds and data caps to narrow your selection. Remember, these numbers can tell you a lot about the value you will get.

However, you should always look at the finer details before committing to an internet service provider. Consider contract length, equipment costs, hidden fees and customer reviews. Reach out to the companies’ sales teams if you need help deciding.

Internet Service Provider	Starting Price	Maximum Speed	Unlimited Data
Point Broadband	Contact sales	2 Gbps	Yes
T-Mobile	$35 monthly	415 Mbps	No
Starlink	$50 monthly	300 Mbps	Yes
Kinetic	$24.99 monthly	2 Gbps	Yes
CenturyLink	$55 monthly	100 Mbps	Yes
HughesNet	$74.99 monthly	100 Mbps	No
AT&T Internet Air	$59.99 monthly	300 Mbps	Yes
Rise Broadband	Contact Sales	1 Gbps	Yes