Reliable internet access is more important than ever as remote work has reshaped the business landscape. With more people moving away from the city to set up their offices within their homes, knowing the best high-speed internet providers for small towns is nonnegotiable, especially with work deadlines to meet and virtual meetings to attend.
Not all provider speeds and connections are equal. There are several types of contracts to review and pricing constructs to consider relative to your budget. Here is everything you need to know about boosting your productivity with a high-performance network, plus the internet companies that offer precisely what you need.
A Need for Speed in the Remote Work Era
COVID-19 drove the workplace into the digital era as companies transitioned their teams to remote offices. Suddenly, people's commutes were mere steps to the spare room or kitchen table, where they would log onto their computers and carry out their jobs at home.
Some businesses have been using telecommuting for years with great success. The pandemic validated the widespread feasibility of remote work with the right tools and resources. Despite several organizations issuing return-to-office mandates, workers have pushed back, citing that flexibility, autonomy and work-life balance are too critical to their well-being.
According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 35% of U.S. workers work from home all the time if their jobs can be done remotely. Forty-one percent work a hybrid schedule, splitting their time between home and the office. About 34% of hybrid workers who clock in at home most days prefer to work remotely all the time.
The ability to work where you want greatly varies by industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 46% of the top four sectors — computer systems design, information services, publishing industries and insurance carriers — were working remotely in 2022. Likewise, an April 2025 study by freelance job marketplace Upwork found that one in four skilled U.S. workers freelanced or worked independently, generating $1.5 trillion in revenue in 2024.
This new age of remote work demands reliable, high-speed internet access, whether you reside in a bustling city or the outskirts of town. Throughout the workday, strong internet access lets you communicate and collaborate through email, video conferencing, instant messaging, project management platforms and file sharing over the cloud. The faster and more stable your internet connection is, the smoother your workflow.
The Impact of Network Outages on Small Communities
Nothing is worse than working from home and having the internet knocked out by a power outage. Yet, this scenario is all too familiar for those outside major cities. According to one study, 62.1% of eight-hour or longer outages occur during extreme weather or climate events. The research also shows that rural and Black communities have the longest recovery times.
Although not all remote workers live in small towns, many people left metropolitan areas during the pandemic. Between 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau says the fastest-growing locations were 30, 40 and 60 miles from the downtown areas of cities. Greater telecommuting opportunities and less expensive housing costs drove migrations. In fact, the rural population has increased by 197,000 people in recent years.
Frequent and long-lasting blackouts mean unstable internet connections. Additionally, some internet providers are less keen on investing in infrastructure in more rural areas due to the high costs of longer cable runs, lower population density, limited demand, income disparities, outdated technology and rugged terrain.
Other Factors Affecting Internet Service
Aside from poor internet infrastructure and connectivity in less developed areas, other factors could also affect high-speed internet access for remote working, including:
- Network congestion: When the network becomes overloaded with more data traffic or devices than it can handle
- Bandwidth overload: Consuming too much bandwidth for streaming, gaming and large downloads
- Bottlenecks: A backlog of information due to limited bandwidth capacity
- Router and hardware issues: Faulty or outdated equipment causing intermittency and network crashes
- Weak Wi-Fi signals: Low network strength causing slow or dropped connections
- Interferences: Disruptions from other home devices
Some of these problems are easier to fix than others. Getting ahead of these issues with a reputable internet service provider will ensure you have access to high-speed internet when you need it most.
What Makes an Internet Provider Worthwhile?
The last thing remote workers want to contend with is downed internet service while in the middle of a project. You must have consistent, efficient network access at home if you are going to succeed in your job. Therefore, researching the best high-speed internet providers for small towns and rural areas is critical. Take the following factors into consideration when comparing your options.
Internet speed | Determine your speed needs based on your usage. For instance, in addition to working from home, do you frequently game or stream content? Opting for 100 megabits per second (Mbps) is usually adequate for multiple devices. |
Connection | Do you require 5G, DSL, cable or fiber? Cable and fiber typically deliver a better connection than other options. |
Reliability | Which providers can you rely on for optimal performance and minimal downtime? Read online reviews and testimonials for each internet provider you consider. |
Data caps | What are your household’s data consumption habits? You might need to consider a plan with unlimited data usage. |
Pricing and contracts | Compare monthly fees, data allowances, and whether the companies bundle internet, phone and television options. Review contract lengths and termination fees. |
Customer service | Determine each provider’s responsiveness to your questions. Likewise, decide whether the company has adequate support, online forums or other resources in case you have trouble with your service. |
Gaining as much information as possible about each company will help you decide which provider and plan best meet your needs for reliable internet access.
The Best High-Speed Internet Providers for Small Towns
Whether you live in a small town or have no neighbors for miles, having reliable internet is critical, especially for those who work from home. These six high-speed internet providers bring network access to everyone anywhere, and some even offer a hot spot for those on the go.
Point Broadband
Point Broadband provides internet coverage in 10 states, including Michigan, New York, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas and Florida. Its mission is to deliver fiber network solutions to small towns and rural locations across the United States, prioritizing community and customer service.
This provider's fiber option promises upload speeds 25 times faster than cable, with up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) and no lag. Likewise, its fixed wireless solutions offer a fiber-based signal from community wireless transmission, with speeds reaching 200 Mbps.
You can also benefit from Point Broadband's Point Break contract relief program as you register for its contract-free service. The company will give you a $200 credit as you transition to your new plan.
Key Features
- Located in 10 states
- Fiber-based broadband for small towns and rural areas
- 2 Gbps fiber option and 200 Mbps wireless technology
- Internet speeds that are 25 times faster than cable upload speeds
- Contract-free service with Point Break
Visible
Digital nomads must have reliable, high-speed internet during their travels. Visible by Verizon provides a hot spot connection no matter where you set up your office. Starting at $25, you can select a 4G LTE network or 5G with unlimited Wi-Fi mobile connection. Premium plans give you unlimited data through Verizon's fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Visible's 5G Ultra Wideband has a download speed of 195-634 Mbps and upload speeds of 10-53 Mbps. Meanwhile, its 5G network has download and upload speeds of 35-143 Mbps and 5-31 Mbps, respectively. Depending on how you use the internet for business, either of these options would be sufficient. Choose between monthly or yearly plans with no hidden fees.
Key Features
- Covers 99% of the U.S. population
- Visible, Visible+ and Visible+ Pro plans
- Unlimited 4G, 5G or 5G Ultra Wideband networks
- Monthly or yearly plans available
- No hidden fees
CenturyLink
CenturyLink offers rural customers DSL, satellite internet, fixed wireless and mobile hot spots. While not as consistent as fiber, fixed wireless may be the best option for remote workers due to its widespread availability and decent speeds. However, CenturyLink does not currently deliver fiber-based broadband in all rural locations.
You can check out its Simply Unlimited Internet plan for $55 monthly. This plan offers 100 Mbps of unlimited data and the ability to connect several devices. Many customers will appreciate this reliable service's no-annual-contract option and no bundling.
Likewise, those with CenturyLink's fiber coverage will enjoy up to 940 Mbps, free installation and Wi-Fi equipment at no monthly charge.
Key Features
- Several internet options, including DSL, satellite internet, fixed wireless, fiber and mobile hot spots
- Plans include the Simply Unlimited Internet Plan and Fiber Internet
- Fiber internet at up to 940 Mbps and wireless at 100 Mbps
- Free fiber installation and equipment at no monthly cost
- No annual contract or bundling
EarthLink
There is a reason EarthLink is considered one of the best high-speed internet providers for small towns. Those living in less populated or rural locations can select reliable wireless or satellite internet for optimal productivity. Both options give you up to 100 Mbps. Unlike other providers, EarthLink has data caps on these plans, so you need to evaluate your household's internet use.
Remote workers with access to fiber internet often choose EarthLink's coverage with up to 300 Mbps. This plan allows for multiple users and devices, provides fast connectivity and allows unlimited data.
Plug your address into EarthLink’s website to determine which internet plan is available near you. If EarthLink cannot supply internet at your location, the company will connect you with a rural internet provider that can provide it.
Key Features
- Serves 96% of homes across 48 states
- Wireless 4G LTE and 5G, or satellite internet available in rural areas
- Up to 100 Mbps
- Three fiber broadband options with up to 300 Mbps for the mid-range plan
- Recognized by CNN as the Best Affordable Satellite Internet 2024
Spectrum
Spectrum is quickly becoming a leading internet provider in small towns and rural areas. It currently provides satellite, cell phone and wired broadband service powered by fiber. Located in 41 states, Spectrum is investing in expanding high-speed internet to 1 million people in unserved areas.
Customers can choose between three internet plans, each offering excellent connectivity with one year of Spectrum mobile and no contracts. The best value plan —ideal for gamers, streamers and users relying heavily on fast speeds — provides 1 Gbps of internet at $70 per month. You can also save money on your internet plan if you bundle it with Spectrum mobile or television.
Key Features
- Serves 41 states, including rural areas
- Fiber-rich networks with up to 1 Gbps download speeds
- All plans include a modem and antivirus software
- No hidden fees or data caps
- Cost savings when bundled with mobile and television
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers three 5G home internet plans with five-year price guarantees, unlimited data, no annual contracts and simple installation. Premium plans can benefit from a high-performance 5G gateway, while the top package delivers streaming perks, a Wi-Fi mesh access point and 24-hour support.
This provider currently delivers network coverage to 70 million homes nationwide and is extending its reach within rural communities. As of now, fiber internet is only available in some locations. Nevertheless, you can submit your address in the online form to ensure T-Mobile offers service where you live and select a package as low as $50 monthly.
Key Features
- Five-year price guarantee
- 4G LTE and 5G networks available to 70 million households
- No monthly contract or equipment fees
- 15-day test-drive or your money back
- Exclusive perks with premium plans
Speed Up Your Work With Reliable Internet Access
Spotty internet service can set you back in your work. As a remote employee, you need high-speed internet that you can rely on when projects have a strict deadline, whether you live in a big city, the suburbs or a small town. Decide which provider offers the best network access at the right price and stay ahead of your workflow with a stable internet connection you can count on.
