A Comparative Study of Rural Internet Service Providers in Ohio

In this article, we take a closer look at internet service providers (ISPs) that provide services to rural areas in Ohio.

When it comes to internet service providers (ISPs), those in rural areas face unique challenges. Not all ISPs offer services to rural areas, and those that do often struggle with providing reliable and fast internet connections due to the lack of infrastructure in these areas. In this article, we take a closer look at ISPs that provide services to rural areas in Ohio, comparing their prices, speeds, and customer satisfaction ratings.

The ISPs:

Windstream
Windstream is one of the main ISPs that offer services to rural areas in Ohio. They offer DSL and fiber-optic internet services, with speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 1 Gbps. DSL plans start at $27 per month and fiber-optic plans start at $50 per month. Windstream has generally positive customer satisfaction ratings, with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

HughesNet
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider that offers services to rural areas. They offer speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps, with plans starting at $59.99 per month. While their speeds are slower than some other ISPs, they are often the only option for those in very remote areas. Customer satisfaction ratings for HughesNet are mixed, with some customers reporting issues with slow speeds and unreliable connections.

Viasat
Viasat, formerly known as Exede, is another satellite internet provider that offers services to rural areas in Ohio. They offer speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps, with plans starting at $50 per month. While Viasat's speeds are faster than HughesNet, they also have mixed customer satisfaction ratings, with some customers reporting issues with poor customer service and slow speeds.

Price Comparison:

When it comes to price, Windstream's DSL plans are the most affordable, with plans starting at just $27 per month. However, those who need faster speeds may want to consider their fiber-optic plans, which start at $50 per month. HughesNet and Viasat's plans are more expensive, with HughesNet's plans starting at $59.99 per month and Viasat's plans starting at $50 per month.

Speed Comparison:

When it comes to speeds, Windstream's fiber-optic plans offer the fastest speeds, with plans ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps. HughesNet's speeds range from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps, while Viasat's speeds range from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

Customer Satisfaction Comparison:

When it comes to customer satisfaction, Windstream has generally positive ratings, with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. HughesNet and Viasat have mixed customer satisfaction ratings, with some customers reporting issues with slow speeds, unreliable connections, and poor customer service.

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing an ISP for rural areas in Ohio, it ultimately depends on the individual's needs and budget. Windstream offers the most affordable plans with generally positive customer satisfaction ratings. HughesNet and Viasat may be good options for those in very remote areas, but they also have mixed customer satisfaction ratings and their plans are generally more expensive. It is important for individuals in rural areas to do their research and compare prices, speeds, and customer satisfaction ratings before choosing an ISP.