Recent times have further implored the need for internet access. While the urban regions in Arkansas enjoy a stable broadband connection, a significant chunk of the rural population and households lack proper broadband access due to affordability and limited availability.

Arkansas, just like most states has an unequal broadband distribution. If you are fortunate enough to live in urban areas, you’ll most likely have access to high-speed internet and more than one provider; otherwise, you’ll have to rely on satellite internet providers for your connectivity needs. Arkansas ranks as the 47th most connected state, with 92% of Arkansans having access to a broadband network with an average speed of 90.7 Mbps. This low ranking is mainly due to unequal broadband coverage. Among 136 ISPs in Arkansas, we will be focusing on high-speed internet providers in rural areas.

Rural Internet Options in Arkansas

It can be challenging to get access to a high-speed and reliable internet connection in rural areas. You can access these types of internet connections in rural areas of Arkansas but not every internet connection type is available in every area.

Satellite Internet

For many people in rural areas, satellite internet is still the only option of connectivity because of its nationwide coverage. It uses a satellite to transmit signals and is faster than dial-up and even DSL. Its speeds depend on several factors like weather, provider, and location.

DSL

DSL uses already installed telephone lines and a modem to provide internet access. AS DSL operates on a different frequency than phone calls, you can simultaneously use the internet and talk on the phone. The availability and speed of DSL depend on your location and the provider.

Fixed Wireless

Many providers offer fixed wireless services as an alternative to their wired services in underserved or rural areas. It transmits signals from the main access point to individual receivers installed at different locations.

High-Speed Internet Providers in Rural Arkansas

Internet options vary depending on your location in Arkansas. While looking for a reliable, high-speed internet service in rural areas of Arkansas, you might find your options limited. Below is a list of high-speed internet providers for rural areas in Arkansas, but remember, not all of them are available in every area.

Kinetic by Windstream

Windstream is one of the best internet providers for rural areas in Arkansas. While its fiber internet is available in limited areas, it provides DSL and fixed wireless services in rural areas. Depending on your location in Arkansas, you can access Windstream Internet Plans, with DSL speeds up to 100 Mbps.

Fixed Wireless

Windstream’s plans depend on where you live in Arkansas. It is best to check the availability and Windstream deals in your area before considering a plan. It generally offers four DSL plans with starting prices ranging from $19.9 to $39.99 a month, which go up after 12 months.

For high-speed internet, Windstream’s best plans are listed in the following table:

PlanStarting PricePrice after 12 monthsDownload SpeedUpload SpeedConnection Type
Kinetic Internet 50$29.99/month$55/month50 Mbps1 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 100$39.99/month$55/month100 Mbps1 MbpsDSL

Data Caps

The best thing about Windstream is its lack of data caps. You don’t have to worry about data limits, overage data fees, or reduced speeds. Windstream allows you to enjoy your daily internet activities with unlimited data.

Contracts

Windstream also doesn’t enforce any contracts, which gives you an option to cancel your subscription at any moment without worrying about any early termination fees.

Equipment Fees:

According to user reviews, Windstream usually rents a modem for $10 to $12 a month, which accumulates to $120 to $144 a month. So, if you plan on staying with Windstream for a long time, buying your equipment is the best idea.

Viasat

Satellite internet connection is a familiar choice to many people in rural Arkansas. It gives you a wide variety of plans depending on your location. It offers higher speeds that are often at an affordable range compared to other satellite internet options.

Plans & Prices

Viasat gives you numerous options to choose from with speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps, but the availability of plans depends on your location. Viasat’s internet plans come with more data allowances and start from $30 to $170 a month, and no matter what plan you choose, Viasat hikes its plans by 33% after three months. For high-speed internet, consider the following internet plans:

PlanPriceSpeedData Cap
Unlimited Gold 50$119.99/month50 Mbps200 GB
Unlimited Platinum 100$169.99/month$55/month100 Mbps

Data Caps

Satellite internet providers are known for enforcing data caps. Viasat’s liberty plans come with 12 to 50 GB of data, while its high-speed, unlimited plans come with 45 to 300 GB of data. The difference between these two plans is that you can’t buy more data with unlimited plans, and your speed is reduced from 1 to 5 Mbps during rush hours only.

Contracts

Viasat enforces a contract of 2 years with an ETF of $15 a month for the remaining months of the contract. It also gives a non-contract option but requires you to pay an upfront $500. If you plan on staying with Viasat for a long period, it is better to go with a contract.

Equipment Fee

Viasat internet comes with a satellite and a modem, and you need a professional technician to install this equipment. The equipment price depends on whether you are renting it or buying it. You can rent its equipment for $12.99 a month or pay an upfront $299.99 as a one-time fee

Conclusion

Even with 136 internet providers operating in Arkansas, high-speed internet choices in rural areas is scarce, thus creating a digital divide between urban and rural populations. Due to underdeveloped network infrastructure, the rural population in Arkansas has to rely on limited internet options with slow-speed internet.

The government and internet providers in Arkansas are working to expand broadband access to rural areas. The emergence of the latest technologies like low-Earth orbit satellite and 5G can also play a vital role in expanding internet access to rural areas.