New broadband technology for rural areas

At Airband we specialise in providing superfast broadband to hard-to-reach, rural areas. Our resilient, full fibre network brings the lightning-fast speeds of the city to remote and rural areas.

There are different types of broadband available for rural areas which vary in reliability, speed and cost. Here, we will introduce the different broadband technologies available in rural locations as well as their pros and cons.

Use our broadband checker to see if you can get ultrafast fibre broadband where you are.

Types of broadband for rural areas

4G/mobile broadband

4G broadband uses cellular networks to provide internet access to rural areas. It offers widespread coverage, making it accessible even in remote regions where traditional wired connections are impractical. With quick deployment and mobility features, 4G broadband is an ideal solution for communities in need of immediate connectivity. However, it comes with limitations such as shared bandwidth, signal interference, and data caps, which may affect performance and usage.

Pros:

• Accessibility: With widespread coverage, 4G broadband reaches even the most remote areas where traditional wired connections can’t.
• Quick deployment: Setting up 4G infrastructure is relatively fast, making it an ideal solution for communities needing immediate connectivity.
• Mobility: Users can access the internet on-the-go, perfect for those living in areas with limited fixed-line options.

Cons:

• Limited bandwidth: Shared bandwidth among users can lead to slower speeds during peak times, affecting performance.
• Signal interference: Environmental factors like terrain or weather can degrade signal quality, impacting reliability.
• Data caps: Many 4G plans come with data caps, restricting usage and potentially leading to additional charges for heavy users.

Fixed wireless broadband (FWA)

Fixed wireless broadband uses radio signals to transmit data, eliminating the need for physical cables. This flexibility in deployment makes it suitable for areas where laying down cables is challenging or costly. Fixed wireless networks can be easily scaled to cover larger areas and accommodate more users. While cost-effective and adaptable, fixed wireless broadband may face challenges such as line-of-sight requirements, signal interference, and limitations in speed and capacity compared to wired solutions.

Pros:

• Flexibility: Fixed wireless technology eliminates the need for physical cables, offering flexibility in deployment and connectivity.
• Scalability: It’s easier to expand fixed wireless networks to cover larger areas or accommodate more users compared to wired solutions.
• Cost-effective: Setting up wireless infrastructure can be more cost-effective than laying down miles of fibre optic cables, especially in rural terrain.

Cons:

• Line-of-sight requirements: Fixed wireless signals require a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, which can be challenging in hilly or wooded areas.
• Interference: Like 4G, fixed wireless signals are susceptible to interference from obstacles, weather, or other electronic devices.
• Speed and capacity: While advancements have improved, fixed wireless speeds may still lag behind fibre optic connections in terms of bandwidth and latency.

Fibre broadband

FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet) broadband: FTTC broadband brings fibre optic cables to street cabinets, with the final connection to homes or businesses made through existing copper infrastructure. It offers high-speed internet access with less susceptibility to interference, providing a reliable and consistent user experience. However, FTTC may face limitations in speed and performance due to the reliance on copper cables for the last-mile connection.

FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) broadband: FTTP broadband delivers fibre optic cables directly to homes or businesses, bypassing the need for copper infrastructure making it the future of broadband technology. This technology offers unparalleled speed and reliability, making it the gold standard for broadband connectivity. While requiring significant upfront investment and deployment challenges, FTTP broadband is a future-proof solution that ensures rural communities are equipped with the fastest and most reliable internet access available.

Airband specialise in FTTP broadband in rural areas, delivering ultrafast fibre broadband with speeds up to 1Gbps directly to your home. Use our broadband coverage checker and see if you’re within range.

Pros:

• High-speed: Fibre optics offer ultrafast internet speeds, capable of handling large amounts of data without slowdowns.
• Reliability: Fibre connections are less susceptible to environmental interference, providing a stable and consistent internet experience.
• Future-proof: Fibre infrastructure is built to last, making it a long-term investment in the digital future of rural communities.

Cons:

• Initial investment: Deploying fibre optic networks requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure, which can be prohibitive for some communities.
• Deployment challenges: Rural terrain may pose challenges for laying fibre optic cables, requiring careful planning and construction.
• Availability: Despite its advantages, fibre broadband may not be readily available in all rural areas due to the costs and logistics involved in deployment.

At Airband we offer ultrafast fibre broadband with no upfront costs and no price hikes. Check your postcode to see if you can get connected.

Other broadband technologies

Satellite broadband

Satellite broadband utilises satellites in Earth’s orbit to provide internet access to remote and rural areas. It offers wide coverage and accessibility, making it an invaluable solution for regions where terrestrial options are limited. However, satellite broadband may face challenges such as latency issues and weather interference, which can affect performance. Despite these challenges, satellite broadband remains a crucial option for connecting rural communities to the digital world.

See how satellite broadband compares to fibre broadband: Satellite broadband vs fibre optic

ADSL broadband

ADSL broadband is a widely used technology that delivers internet connectivity through existing copper telephone lines. It offers asymmetrical speeds, meaning the download speed is typically faster than the upload speed. ADSL is widely available in rural areas where fibre optic or cable infrastructure may not be feasible. While it provides a basic level of internet access, ADSL broadband may have limitations in terms of speed and reliability compared to newer technologies like fibre optic. Additionally, the quality of service can vary depending on the distance from the exchange, with users farther from the exchange experiencing slower speeds and potential connection issues. Despite these limitations, ADSL broadband remains a viable option for rural communities seeking internet access where other technologies are not available.

See how ADSL broadband compares to fibre broadband: ADSL vs fibre optic

Broadband speed test

Not sure what broadband speeds you can currently get? Use our broadband speed test to check. If you’re not happy with your current speeds, check to see if you can get our ultrafast fibre broadband by checking your postcode.

FAQs

Why is rural broadband slow?

Rural broadband is traditionally slow because of the technology used. 4G and fixed wireless broadband have been the main technologies used in rural locations due to the difficulties of building fibre networks. However, Airband are changing this! We are building fibre networks in rural locations, bringing speeds of up to 1Gbps to remote areas. Check your postcode now and see if you can get ultrafast speeds.