Rural Internet FAQ's
Q: Why is internet in cities and towns so much different from rural areas?
A: Urban internet is delivered through cables and fibre (often buried). High population density covers costs to put this infrastructure in place and maintain it long term.
Rural internet is delivered differently, using towers and satellites to broadcast internet signals to roof mounted units. This method can cover vast areas in more sparsely populated regions (ie: small towns, villages, farm and ranch areas, off-grid regions) . More equipment is required for this type of delivery - as well as higher service needs.
Q: When I signed up for Xplore 4 years ago, my internet was fast and reliable. It's very slow now - what happened?
A: The internet changes daily, requiring greater speed and data. If your internet speed is not updated or adjusted, it will feel slower over time. Your equipment may already be obsolete.
Xplore is also constantly changing. New equipment and packages are always available. We recommend you contact Xplore every 1.5 to 2 years and check for upgrades.
Added bonus: price for higher speeds today is less than the lower speeds of a few years ago.
Q: What's the difference between tower service and satellite service for internet?
A: Tower service gives unlimited use (data) and higher speeds at lower prices. It requires "line-of-sight" (the signals need to "see" each other) to a nearby tower and is generally easier to service. Towers are faster and easier to upgrade, offering better future prospects for all users.
Satellite service currently offers very high speeds (2025), with some limits on use. The extreme distance of a satellite from your dish and modem can create "latency" (small time lags in sending and receiving data). Satellite services are more costly, use larger equipment and are more challenging to upgrade.