Small businesses and families in rural areas still suffer from slow broadband speeds. According to Ofcom, 1.1 million homes and businesses are looking to improve broadband speeds to meet their personal and working needs. Here is a look at how you can improve your broadband speeds if you live and work in a rural area.
Landline bonding
If you have landlines, you can join, or “bond”, two or more landlines together. Doing this means that the connection from one landline is supported by the other, creating a more substantial and balanced connection.
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Test the speeds that are already available
In some cases, the infrastructure is already in place – such as fibre lines that can deliver up to 40 Mbps – but the problem actually lies somewhere else. Weak cables in or outside your house, faulty connections, or an old router can all slow broadband down. Check your existing internet connection, troubleshoot, and check that all element are working correctly.
Go wireless
If your mobile phone can pick up 4G outside your home or business premises, you should be able to go wireless indoors and get rid of your landline. Check the wireless coverage to see this if the case. You should be able to get up to 40 Mbps in your home or workplace if the 4G outside is good. The best way to do this is to approach the phone companies themselves. Three offer a home Wi-Fi service, as do EE, with monthly or annual contracts to choose from.
Aerials and transmitters
Ofcom relaxed the rules on external aerials and transmitters, which means that you can install an external aerial in your home to boost your connections. To make sure that your aerial stays within the law, it is best to get a professional to help you. If you live in and around Bath TV aerial installation will be easy, with companies like http://steveunettaerials.co.uk/services/tv-aerials-repair-installation-bath/ able to come and visit your home and explain the options available to you.
Regardless of where you live, your broadband connection should be as good as anyone else’s. Try not to assume that simply because you work and live in a rural area that your connection cannot be improved. It can, and there are more options than you might think!
