Technology

How Latency Affects Internet Access in Rural Areas

Internet users in rural America usually have a more limited set of options for high-speed Internet. While dial-up is still available in rural areas, its slow speeds and outdated setup make it far from the best option if your priority is finding high-speed Internet for rural areas. Satellite Internet and mobile Internet are usually in contention for the title of best rural Internet service provider when it comes to high-speed options. Mobile and satellite Internet speeds are usually similar, but one crucial difference sets them apart: latency.

While unlimited satellite Internet comes with its own set of advantages, its biggest weakness is its high levels of latency. While latency can be affected by a set of factors such as hardware and website content, distance is one of the factors that affect latency the most. The farther an Internet signal has to travel to reach your receiver, the more latency you will experience while using the Internet at home. Because satellite Internet providers use satellites in orbit to transmit Internet signals, their Internet service naturally carries higher levels of latency than the other options available for rural customers.

In contrast, mobile Internet providers such as UbiFi use mobile towers that are strewn throughout all of America, including the rural areas. Because these towers are closer to rural homes, UbiFi and other 4G Internet companies can offer Internet service with little latency. This makes mobile Internet ideal for activities that require low levels of latency, such as playing online multiplayer games or participating in Zoom meetings. Furthermore, some UbiFi products also allow users to subscribe to MoFi’s Cloudlink service, which makes it easier and more seamless for game consoles to connect to mobile Internet with no issues.