18 Best Rural Internet Providers in Ohio (July 2024)

Review of the best rural internet providers available in Ohio.

Living in rural Ohio comes with its own unique charm, but finding reliable and fast internet can be a real struggle. With limited options and spotty coverage, it can feel like you’re stuck in the slow lane of the digital world. But don’t despair! There are a handful of internet providers out there who are making strides in bringing high-speed internet to rural areas.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 18 best rural internet providers in Ohio, covering various technologies like DSL, satellite, fiber optic, and fixed wireless. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of each provider, their coverage areas, and their pricing plans. Whether you’re a farmer, a small business owner, or simply someone who enjoys streaming your favorite shows, we’ll help you find the best internet option for your needs.

Finding the right internet provider can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with limited options and inconsistent coverage. We’ve done the legwork for you by thoroughly researching and comparing the top rural internet providers in Ohio. We’ll give you the information you need to make an informed decision, so you can finally say goodbye to slow internet speeds and frustrating buffering.

Get ready to connect with the world, no matter where you live in Ohio. Let’s explore the best options for rural internet and find the perfect provider to fit your needs and budget.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
AT&T		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Spectrum		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
WOW!		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Viasat		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
HughesNet		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Starlink		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Consolidated Communications		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Frontier Communications		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Windstream		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Mediacom		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Cincinnati Bell		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
TDS Telecom		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
MCTV		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Northland Communications		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Hickory Tech		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Buckeye Broadband		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Armstrong		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
C Spire		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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AT&T

N/A at Amazon

Offers a variety of internet plans, including fiber optic and DSL, with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in most of Ohio
• Technology: Fiber optic, DSL, and 5G home internet
• Speeds: Up to 5 Gbps (fiber optic), up to 25 Mbps (DSL)
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $55 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers a wide range of internet plans with various speeds and data caps to choose from.
• Has a strong reputation for reliability and customer service.
• Offers fiber optic internet in some areas, which provides the fastest speeds available.

Reasons to avoid:

• Data caps on some plans can be restrictive, especially for heavy internet users.
• Prices can be high, especially for faster speeds.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a reliable internet provider with a variety of plans to choose from.
• You're willing to pay a premium for high speeds and good customer service.
• You live in an area where AT&T offers fiber optic internet.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You use a lot of data and don't want to worry about data caps.
• You need internet service in a rural area where AT&T doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

AT&T is a solid choice for internet service in Ohio, especially if you need a fast and reliable connection. However, they offer a variety of plans, so it's important to compare prices and features to find the best option for your needs. If you need high speeds and are willing to pay a premium, AT&T's fiber optic internet is a great option. But if you're on a tight budget or use a lot of data, you might want to consider other providers.

Spectrum

N/A at Amazon

Offers cable internet plans with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many parts of Ohio
• Technology: Cable internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $49.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Generally offers fast speeds at a reasonable price.
• Provides a wide range of plans with different speed and data cap options.
• Has a strong network presence in many parts of Ohio.

Reasons to avoid:

• Can have data caps on some plans, which can be restrictive for heavy internet users.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a fast and affordable internet plan.
• You live in an area where Spectrum offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with Spectrum's customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where Spectrum doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

Spectrum is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need fast and affordable internet. However, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data or have had a bad experience with Spectrum in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

WOW!

N/A at Amazon

Dive deeper into 20 Best Rural Internet Providers in Indiana

Offers cable internet plans with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in select cities and towns in Ohio
• Technology: Cable internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $39.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers fast speeds at a competitive price.
• Provides a wide range of plans with different speed and data cap options.
• Has a strong presence in certain areas of Ohio.

Reasons to avoid:

• Availability is limited to specific areas.
• Data caps on some plans can be restrictive.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a fast and affordable internet plan.
• You live in an area where WOW! offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with WOW!'s customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where WOW! doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

WOW! is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need fast and affordable internet and live in an area where they offer service. However, their availability is limited, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data, live outside of their coverage area, or have had a bad experience with WOW! in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

Viasat

N/A at Amazon

Offers satellite internet service with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available throughout Ohio
• Technology: Satellite internet
• Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $79.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers internet service in areas where other providers are not available.
• Provides a reliable connection even in remote areas.
• Offers unlimited data plans.

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be more expensive than other internet providers.
• Latency can be higher than other internet technologies.
• Speeds can vary depending on weather conditions.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need internet service in a rural area where other providers are not available.
• You need a reliable connection even in remote areas.
• You're not concerned about latency.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need internet for online gaming or other activities that require low latency.
• You live in an area with frequent inclement weather.

Bottom Line:

Viasat is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need reliable coverage in a rural area. However, it's more expensive than other providers, can have higher latency, and speeds can vary depending on weather conditions. If you're on a tight budget or need low latency for online gaming or other activities, you might want to consider another provider.

HughesNet

N/A at Amazon

Offers satellite internet service with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available throughout Ohio
• Technology: Satellite internet
• Speeds: Up to 25 Mbps
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $64.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers internet service in areas where other providers are not available.
• Provides a reliable connection even in remote areas.
• Offers unlimited data plans.

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be more expensive than other internet providers.
• Latency can be higher than other internet technologies.
• Speeds can vary depending on weather conditions.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need internet service in a rural area where other providers are not available.
• You need a reliable connection even in remote areas.
• You're not concerned about latency.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need internet for online gaming or other activities that require low latency.
• You live in an area with frequent inclement weather.

Bottom Line:

HughesNet is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need reliable coverage in a rural area. However, it's more expensive than other providers, can have higher latency, and speeds can vary depending on weather conditions. If you're on a tight budget or need low latency for online gaming or other activities, you might want to consider another provider.

Starlink

N/A at Amazon

Offers satellite internet service with high speeds and low latency.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many areas of Ohio
• Technology: Satellite internet
• Speeds: Up to 220 Mbps
• Data caps: None
• Pricing: $110 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers high speeds and low latency, making it ideal for online gaming and streaming.
• Has a growing network with expanding coverage.
• Offers unlimited data.

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be more expensive than other internet providers.
• Requires a clear view of the sky.
• Installation can be challenging.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need high-speed internet with low latency.
• You live in an area where Starlink offers service.
• You're willing to pay a premium for high speeds and unlimited data.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You have obstructions blocking your view of the sky.
• You're not comfortable with self-installation.

Bottom Line:

Starlink is a great option for internet service in Ohio if you need high speeds and low latency. However, it's more expensive than other providers, requires a clear view of the sky, and installation can be challenging. If you're on a tight budget or have obstructions blocking your view of the sky, you might want to consider another provider.

Consolidated Communications

N/A at Amazon

Offers a variety of internet plans, including fiber optic, DSL, and cable, with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many parts of Ohio
• Technology: Fiber optic, DSL, and cable internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (fiber optic), up to 25 Mbps (DSL), up to 100 Mbps (cable)
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $49.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers a variety of internet plans to choose from.
• Has a strong presence in many parts of Ohio.
• Provides a reliable connection in most areas.

Reasons to avoid:

• Data caps on some plans can be restrictive.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a reliable internet provider with a variety of plans to choose from.
• You live in an area where Consolidated Communications offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with Consolidated Communications' customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where Consolidated Communications doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

Consolidated Communications is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need a reliable provider with a variety of plans to choose from. However, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data or have had a bad experience with Consolidated Communications in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

Frontier Communications

N/A at Amazon

Offers DSL and fiber optic internet plans with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many parts of Ohio
• Technology: DSL and fiber optic internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (fiber optic), up to 25 Mbps (DSL)
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $49.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers a variety of internet plans to choose from.
• Has a strong presence in many parts of Ohio.
• Provides a reliable connection in most areas.

Reasons to avoid:

• Data caps on some plans can be restrictive.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a reliable internet provider with a variety of plans to choose from.
• You live in an area where Frontier Communications offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with Frontier Communications' customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where Frontier Communications doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

Frontier Communications is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need a reliable provider with a variety of plans to choose from. However, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data or have had a bad experience with Frontier Communications in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

Windstream

N/A at Amazon

Offers DSL and fiber optic internet plans with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many parts of Ohio
• Technology: DSL and fiber optic internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (fiber optic), up to 25 Mbps (DSL)
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $49.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers a variety of internet plans to choose from.
• Has a strong presence in many parts of Ohio.
• Provides a reliable connection in most areas.

Reasons to avoid:

• Data caps on some plans can be restrictive.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a reliable internet provider with a variety of plans to choose from.
• You live in an area where Windstream offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with Windstream's customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where Windstream doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

Windstream is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need a reliable provider with a variety of plans to choose from. However, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data or have had a bad experience with Windstream in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

Mediacom

N/A at Amazon

Offers cable internet plans with varying speeds and data caps.

Specifications:

• Availability: Available in many parts of Ohio
• Technology: Cable internet
• Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps
• Data caps: Vary by plan
• Pricing: Starting at $49.99 per month

Reasons to buy:

• Offers fast speeds at a competitive price.
• Provides a wide range of plans with different speed and data cap options.
• Has a strong network presence in many parts of Ohio.

Reasons to avoid:

• Can have data caps on some plans, which can be restrictive for heavy internet users.
• Customer service can be inconsistent.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You need a fast and affordable internet plan.
• You live in an area where Mediacom offers service.
• You're not concerned about data caps.

Don't buy it if:

• You use a lot of data and want an unlimited data plan.
• You've had a bad experience with Mediacom's customer service in the past.
• You need internet service in a rural area where Mediacom doesn't offer coverage.

Bottom Line:

Mediacom is a good option for internet service in Ohio if you need fast and affordable internet. However, they have some data caps on their plans, and their customer service can be inconsistent. If you use a lot of data or have had a bad experience with Mediacom in the past, you might want to consider another provider.

Cincinnati Bell

N/A at Amazon

Read more about this on 18 Best Rural Internet Providers in Indiana

A large telecommunications company offering a wide range of services, including internet, TV, and phone.

Specifications :

• Fiber optic and DSL internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable and fast internet speeds
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages can save you money

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• Cincinnati Bell has a strong reputation for reliable service.
• Their internet speeds are generally fast, especially with their fiber optic plans.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.

Buy it if:

• You need fast and reliable internet service
• You're looking for a bundled package deal
• You live in an area where Cincinnati Bell is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a low-cost internet plan
• You're looking for a provider with widespread availability
• You're not comfortable with limited customer service options

Bottom Line: Cincinnati Bell is a solid choice for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable and fast internet service. Their fiber optic plans offer some of the fastest speeds available, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where Cincinnati Bell is available and you need fast and reliable internet, they're worth considering.

TDS Telecom

N/A at Amazon

A smaller telecommunications company offering internet, TV, and phone services in rural areas across the US, including Ohio.

Specifications :

• DSL and fiber optic internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• TDS Telecom has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where TDS Telecom is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: TDS Telecom is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their DSL and fiber optic plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where TDS Telecom is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

MCTV

N/A at Amazon

You can find more information on Top Rural Internet Providers in 2024

A regional cable company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Specifications :

• Cable internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• MCTV has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where MCTV is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: MCTV is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their cable internet plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where MCTV is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

Northland Communications

N/A at Amazon

A rural telecommunications company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Read more about this on 20 Best Rural Internet Providers in the UK

Specifications :

• DSL and fiber optic internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• Northland Communications has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where Northland Communications is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: Northland Communications is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their DSL and fiber optic plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where Northland Communications is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

Hickory Tech

N/A at Amazon

A regional telecommunications company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Specifications :

• DSL and fiber optic internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• Hickory Tech has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where Hickory Tech is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: Hickory Tech is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their DSL and fiber optic plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where Hickory Tech is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

Buckeye Broadband

N/A at Amazon

A regional cable company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Specifications :

• Cable internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• Buckeye Broadband has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where Buckeye Broadband is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: Buckeye Broadband is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their cable internet plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where Buckeye Broadband is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

Armstrong

N/A at Amazon

A regional cable company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Check this blog on 22 Best Rural Internet Provider Reviews in 2024

Specifications :

• Cable internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Reliable internet service
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• Armstrong has a reputation for reliable internet service.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where Armstrong is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You need fast internet speeds
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: Armstrong is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable internet service at a competitive price. Their cable internet plans offer decent speeds, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where Armstrong is available and you're looking for a solid and affordable internet provider, they're worth considering.

C Spire

N/A at Amazon

A regional telecommunications company offering internet, TV, and phone services in Ohio.

Specifications :

• Fiber optic internet plans
• Bundled packages available
• Available in select areas of Ohio

Reasons to buy :

• Fast and reliable internet speeds
• Competitive pricing
• Bundled packages offer discounts

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited availability
• Some customers report slow customer service

What you need to know :

• C Spire has a reputation for fast and reliable internet service, especially with their fiber optic plans.
• They offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.
• Their customer service can be slow at times.

Buy it if:

• You need fast and reliable internet service
• You're looking for a provider with competitive pricing
• You live in an area where C Spire is available

Don't buy it if:

• You need a provider with widespread availability
• You're looking for excellent customer service

Bottom Line: C Spire is a decent option for rural Ohio residents seeking reliable and fast internet service at a competitive price. Their fiber optic plans offer some of the fastest speeds available, and their bundled packages can help you save money. However, their availability is limited, and some customers have reported slow customer service. Ultimately, if you're in an area where C Spire is available and you need fast and reliable internet, they're worth considering.

Finding reliable internet access in rural areas can be a real struggle, but it doesn't have to be. With a little research and comparison, you can find a provider that fits your needs and budget. This list of the 18 best rural internet providers in Ohio is a great starting point. Remember to consider factors like coverage area, speed, pricing, and customer service when making your decision.

Whether you're a farmer, a small business owner, or simply someone who enjoys staying connected, there are options available to you. Don't settle for slow, unreliable internet just because you live in a rural area. Take the time to explore your options and find the best provider for you.

The internet is essential for communication, education, healthcare, and entertainment. Having access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. By choosing a reputable provider, you can ensure that you have the connectivity you need to thrive in today's digital world.

We hope this guide helps you find the best rural internet provider in Ohio. Good luck with your search and enjoy the benefits of fast, reliable internet!