Internet availability in my countryside is limited.
Internet availability in my countryside is limited.
I reside in a remote area with extremely limited internet connectivity. The sole provider offers wired service via copper lines, not fiber. My partner and I consume significant bandwidth, making cellular and satellite options impractical due to data limits. We operate a business from home and require quicker access. Currently, the best speed available is 12 Mb down and 1.2 Mb up. I’ve tested all ISPs in southeastern Iowa for long-distance Wi-Fi solutions, but none can reach my location. My property sits on hilly ground near the valley floor. I know a few neighbors within half a mile who are open to helping us secure internet, though each obstruction from hills blocks signal. What alternatives exist? I don’t need a connection spanning 10 miles, only about half a mile. However, line-of-sight is essential; a 50-foot pole won’t suffice. My ISP is open to Internet bonding, but I’m unsure if they support more than two connections simultaneously. Could there be larger setups possible?
You might have no choice but to use that 50-foot pole my friend suggested. If I were you, I’d attempt to launch a WISP and earn some income from it. Your neighbors are likely facing the same issue. You could also explore DSL through your phone provider—they can now offer speeds up to 100 Mbps. It’s possible your current phone lines might still support it.
They’re using an old copper line for now, which is the quickest option they can offer, though it’s not very fast. They plan to switch to fiber once state funding arrives, which could take years. A neighbor just two miles away has excellent internet, and my two Ubiquiti 5ac-300s were installed today. Do you know of any helpful guides on setting up the software?