Rural living appeals to those seeking a quieter, nature-oriented lifestyle with more privacy, space, and access to outdoor activities. A more peaceful existence, however, doesn’t mean a life without the latest technology. Satellite internet, smart lighting, and smart security all enhance the quality of rural life. The trick lies in determining which tech is vital for rural living, and which isn’t worth the trouble. Here, we’ll explore your rural internet options, the technology you need, and the types of gadgets you should consider skipping.

H2: Essential Tech for Rural Living

H3: Reliable Internet Connectivity

Most smart devices require a wireless network and an internet connection to work correctly. You need an internet connection with high speeds and reliability, preferably with no data limits.

As anyone who’s ever lived in a remote location can tell you, finding a rural internet provider can be challenging. Internet providers tend to focus their businesses on urban centers, where the infrastructure needed for cable and fiber internet is readily available. Such infrastructure isn’t always available in the country. Rural internet options are often limited to the following:

• DSL is a relatively slow internet service that uses telephone lines to deliver internet connections.
• Satellite internet relays internet signals through orbiting communications satellites.
• Fixed wireless transmits data as radio waves between a central tower and user antennas.
• Cellular wireless uses mobile phone networks to provide internet access, and is an option if you have a strong cell phone signal.

Of the four options, satellite internet for rural areas is often the best choice. Satellite internet can reliably connect you no matter where you live, without the need for cell phone signals or proximity to radio towers.

H3: Smart Thermostats

Programmable smart thermostats monitor and control your home’s temperature, allowing you to adjust temperature settings remotely and schedule heating and cooling times. Optimizing your HVAC energy use is particularly beneficial in rural areas, where energy costs are often high. If you’re generating your own power, a smart thermostat helps you make the most efficient use of your electricity.

H3: Smart Security Systems

Rural households are spread out over large distances. Your nearest neighbor may be miles away, and the closest emergency response services are often centered on the nearest town. Smart security cameras and motion detectors offer peace of mind by monitoring your property, allowing you to access live feeds remotely. They can be set to alert you to unusual activity. Visible cameras, flashing alert lights, and audible alarms are also active criminal deterrents.

Smart locks also offer benefits for rural homes, alerting you to unauthorized access attempts and allowing you to grant or revoke access to your home through the lock’s phone app.

H3: Smart Lighting

Smart lighting lets you create personalized lighting environments. You can set smart lights to turn on and off at regular intervals, or use lights with motion detectors. Smart lighting also has a security component. You can set schedules to make your home appear occupied when you’re not home, or connect them to your security system so security alerts turn lights on.

Smart lights offer energy efficiency and convenience by allowing you to control your lighting. Most smart lights use LED bulbs, which burn less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

H3: Agricultural Technology

Smart agricultural tools help optimize agriculture, whether you farm for a living or take advantage of rural life to grow your food. Smart sensors keep you up-to-date on weather, soil moisture, and even livestock health in real-time, while drones help identify areas that need attention. GPS systems in farm equipment allow for precision planting and harvesting.

H2: Tech to Skip

Some smart tech is essential for rural life. Other tech is nice to have, while some aren’t worth the price or the impact on your internet bandwidth. Here are a few examples of tech you can avoid.

H3: Overly Complex Smart Devices

Ease of use is a crucial aspect of smart technology, whether you live in an urban center or a remote homestead. Smart tech that’s overly complex and high-maintenance usually isn’t worth your time, especially if it requires an always-on internet connection. Instead, look for alternatives that offer intuitive, simple controls. Smart gadgets that don’t need a 24-hour internet connection are recommended for rural homes.

H3: Trendy Gadgets

When selecting smart technology, it’s important to distinguish between necessity and novelty. With the shift to smart homes, manufacturers are incorporating AI and smart features into nearly everything. You can certainly buy a smart toaster, but do you really need one? Look for technology that adds measurable value and convenience to your life, and avoid smart items simply because they’re trendy.

H3: High-Data Usage Technologies

Rural internet options offer less bandwidth than their urban counterparts, which benefit from fiber and cable providers. As a result, you may want to avoid tech with high data requirements. Instead of a security system that uploads camera footage to the cloud, you may be better served by one that saves data to a memory card or local device.

The same holds for entertainment. Use downloaded content if you want to watch 4K movies, or reduce your streaming settings to HD to avoid buffering issues.

H2: Keep your Tech Use Sustainable

Satellite and other remote internet options help connect you, improving your entertainment, communication, and shopping options. A reliable connection enhances rural learning, allowing students to access message boards and resources that urban kids often take for granted.

You don’t need to run out and buy a smart home’s supply of tech gadgets all at once. Start with essentials like motion design lights and security cameras, and gradually add new technology as your needs evolve. The right technology doesn’t replace the joys of country life — it enhances your enjoyment of rural living.