Introduction
You've found the perfect rural property—affordable, beautiful, and seemingly within range of high-speed internet. But before you sign that lease or make an offer, you need to verify that the internet will actually support your remote work needs.
This guide will walk you through every step of testing and validating rural internet before you move.
Step 1: Research Available Providers
Use Official Coverage Maps
Start with the official FCC Broadband Map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov. While not always perfectly accurate, it provides a baseline of what should be available.
What to check:
Contact Providers Directly
Never trust coverage maps alone. Call each provider and ask:
Ask the Neighbors
This is crucial. If possible, knock on doors and ask:
Step 2: Conduct an On-Site Speed Test
If you can visit the property before committing, bring your own testing equipment.
What You'll Need
Testing Protocol
- Morning (9-10 AM)
- Afternoon (2-3 PM)
- Evening (7-9 PM) - peak usage time
- At least 3 tests per time period
- Average the results
- Screenshot results
- Note the date and time
- Record weather conditions
What Speeds Do You Actually Need?
| Activity | Minimum Speed | Recommended |
|----------|---------------|-------------|
| Video calls (Zoom/Teams) | 3 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| HD video streaming | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps |
| 4K streaming | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Large file uploads | 10 Mbps | 25+ Mbps |
| Multiple users | 50 Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
Step 3: Test for Latency and Reliability
Speed isn't everything. For remote work, latency (ping) and consistency matter just as much.
Testing Latency
Run ping google.com from your command line and note:
Acceptable ranges:
Jitter Test
Use jitter test tools to measure variation in latency. High jitter (>30ms) will cause choppy video calls even if speed is adequate.
Step 4: Evaluate Backup Options
Rural internet can be unreliable. Always have a backup plan.
Cellular Hotspot
Check coverage with major carriers:
Use apps like OpenSignal or CellMapper to check tower locations and signal strength.
Starlink
As of 2026, Starlink is available in most rural areas. Consider:
Local Hotspots
Identify backup locations:
Step 5: Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs
🚩 "Speeds up to..." - The key word is "up to." Ask for typical speeds.
🚩 New construction areas - Infrastructure may not be complete
🚩 Single provider monopoly - No competition means poor service incentive
🚩 DSL-only areas - Max speeds typically 10-25 Mbps
🚩 No service address confirmation - Provider can't verify exact address
🚩 Very long installation times - May indicate infrastructure issues
Deal Breakers
Step 6: Get It in Writing
Before signing a lease or buying property:
Sample Lease Clause
"This lease is contingent upon the availability of high-speed internet service (minimum 50 Mbps download) at the property. If service cannot be verified within 30 days of move-in, tenant may terminate lease without penalty."
Step 7: Post-Move Testing
Once you've moved in and service is installed:
Conclusion
Taking the time to properly test and validate internet before moving can save you enormous headaches. Rural living offers incredible benefits, but reliable connectivity is non-negotiable for remote work.
Use our Compare Tool to evaluate counties side-by-side, and browse our state guides for detailed data on specific locations.
*Remember: The best time to discover internet problems is before you sign the lease, not after.*