As of 2024, an estimated ** percent of Europeans living in rural areas accessed the internet, compared to ** percent of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) rural population. The lowest internet usage reach was in rural areas in Africa, at ** percent. Overall, urban areas presented a higher percentage of internet penetration.

Rural Internet System Market Outlook

The global rural internet system market size was valued at approximately USD 18 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 32 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. The key growth factor driving this market is the increasing demand for internet connectivity in remote and rural areas, fueled by governmental initiatives and technological advancements aimed at bridging the digital divide.

One of the primary drivers of growth in the rural internet system market is the global push towards digital inclusivity. Governments around the world are implementing policies and funding projects designed to provide reliable internet access to rural and underserved areas. For instance, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which is set to invest billions in rural broadband deployment. Similar initiatives are being undertaken in developing countries, where internet access is being recognized as a crucial factor for economic development and social inclusion.

Another significant growth factor is the advancement in technology, which has made it more feasible and cost-effective to deploy internet systems in rural areas. Technologies such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, 5G, and advanced fiber optic networks are breaking down previous barriers to connectivity. Satellite internet, in particular, has seen substantial advancements, with companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper planning to launch thousands of satellites to provide global internet coverage, including hard-to-reach rural areas.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of reliable internet access, as remote work, online education, and telehealth services have become more prevalent. This shift has accelerated the demand for rural internet solutions as people in these areas strive to maintain connectivity with educational institutions, employers, and healthcare providers. This trend is expected to continue post-pandemic, providing a sustained boost to the rural internet system market.

Regionally, North America leads the market due to significant government funding and advanced infrastructure, followed closely by Europe and Asia Pacific. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness substantial growth, driven by increasing investments in internet infrastructure and rising internet penetration rates.

Technology Analysis

The rural internet system market is segmented by technology into satellite, DSL, fiber optic, fixed wireless, and others. Satellite technology is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the advancements in LEO satellite technology. Companies like SpaceX and Amazon are investing heavily in satellite constellations that promise to deliver high-speed internet to the most remote corners of the world. These satellites can provide coverage over large areas, making them ideal for rural and underserved regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking.

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, remains a significant player in the rural internet system market. Although it has been around for a while, its prevalence in rural areas is due to the existing telephone infrastructure that can be utilized to provide internet services. While not as fast as fiber optic, DSL offers a viable solution for rural areas where other technologies might not be feasible due to cost or logistical reasons. Continuous improvements in DSL technology are also ensuring better speeds and reliability, keeping it relevant in the market.

Fiber optic technology is the gold standard for internet connectivity, offering the fastest speeds and highest reliability. However, its deployment in rural areas has been slower due to high costs and the complexity of infrastructure development. Nonetheless, governments and private companies are increasingly investing in fiber optic networks even in rural areas, recognizing the long-term benefits of such an investment. The growing demand for high-speed internet in rural regions for applications like online education, telehealth, and streaming services is expected to drive further investments in fiber optic technology.

Fixed wireless technology is another promising segment,

The share of town and suburban households with internet access in Poland stood at approximately 95.32 percent in 2024. Between 2004 and 2024, the share rose by around 80.21 percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

Analysis of ‘Rural standard fixed broadband coverage (as a % of households)’ provided by Analyst-2 (analyst-2.ai), based on source dataset retrieved from http://data.europa.eu/88u/dataset/7ihytokfpnhk8jvxwixw on 08 January 2022.

--- Dataset description provided by original source is as follows ---

Coverage is a supply indicator defined as the percentage of Households living in areas served by xDSL, cable (basic and NGA), FTTP or WiMax networks. Rural areas are defined as those with less than 100 people per km2.

Original source

Broadband coverage in Europe, studies for the EC by Point Topic (2011-2012 figures, SMART 2011/0027 and 2012/0035) and IHS and Valdani, Vicari & Associati (2013 figures, SMART 2013/0054):

http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/about-fast-and-ultra-fast-internet-access

Parent dataset

This dataset is part of of another dataset:

http://digital-agenda-data.eu/datasets/digital_agenda_scoreboard_key_indicators

--- Original source retains full ownership of the source dataset ---

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Ohio Rural Broadband Association I

Macedonia Usage of Internet: Households: Rural: Broadband Connection (BB) data was reported at 67.923 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 65.954 % for 2015. Macedonia Usage of Internet: Households: Rural: Broadband Connection (BB) data is updated yearly, averaging 50.511 % from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2016, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 67.923 % in 2016 and a record low of 10.900 % in 2008. Macedonia Usage of Internet: Households: Rural: Broadband Connection (BB) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistical Office of the Republic of Macedonia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Macedonia – Table MK.TB001: Usage of Internet: Households: by Type of Connection.

This data is used to determine eligibility for certain USDA broadband loan and grant programs.

China Internet Service: Internet Penetration Rate: Rural data was reported at 65.600 % in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 63.800 % for Jun 2024. China Internet Service: Internet Penetration Rate: Rural data is updated semiannually, averaging 35.950 % from Dec 2007 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 66.500 % in Dec 2023 and a record low of 7.400 % in Dec 2007. China Internet Service: Internet Penetration Rate: Rural data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by China Internet Network Information Center. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Information and Communication Sector – Table CN.ICE: Internet: Internet Market Size. Affected by the COVID-19, the data cut-off time for the 2019 is March 2020.

As of 2024, an estimated ** percent of all individuals worldwide were using the internet. The internet penetration rate in worldwide urban areas was around ** percent, and ** percent in rural areas. The lowest penetration rate was registered in rural areas of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), ** percent. Urban Small Island Developing Countries, on the other hand, reported an internet usage rate of ** percent.

Poland Internet: % of Household: Rural Areas data was reported at 78.567 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 77.800 % for 2016. Poland Internet: % of Household: Rural Areas data is updated yearly, averaging 58.688 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 78.567 % in 2017 and a record low of 15.000 % in 2004. Poland Internet: % of Household: Rural Areas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistical Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Poland – Table PL.TB002: Personal Computer and Internet Statistics.

United States US: Fixed Broadband Internet Subscribers: per 100 People data was reported at 33.853 Ratio in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 33.002 Ratio for 2016. United States US: Fixed Broadband Internet Subscribers: per 100 People data is updated yearly, averaging 24.639 Ratio from Dec 1998 (Median) to 2017, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 33.853 Ratio in 2017 and a record low of 0.256 Ratio in 1998. United States US: Fixed Broadband Internet Subscribers: per 100 People data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Telecommunication. Fixed broadband subscriptions refers to fixed subscriptions to high-speed access to the public Internet (a TCP/IP connection), at downstream speeds equal to, or greater than, 256 kbit/s. This includes cable modem, DSL, fiber-to-the-home/building, other fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions, satellite broadband and terrestrial fixed wireless broadband. This total is measured irrespective of the method of payment. It excludes subscriptions that have access to data communications (including the Internet) via mobile-cellular networks. It should include fixed WiMAX and any other fixed wireless technologies. It includes both residential subscriptions and subscriptions for organizations.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

High Frequency Indicator: The dataset contains year-, quarter- and state-wise compiled data from the year 2014 to till date on the total number of broadband and narrowband internet subscribers in the rural and urban areas of India

PDF Map of FCC Form 477 provider reported maximum download speeds by census block for January - June 2020. This map seeks to highlight areas that are undeserved by terrestrial broadband (fiber/cable/dsl on the ground), with "underserved" defined as down/up speeds less than 25/3 Mbps.These data represent a static snapshot of provider reported coverage between January 2020 and June 2020. Maps also depict the locations of federally recognized tribes, Alaskan communities, ANCSA and borough boundaries.Broadband coverage is represented using provider reported speeds under the FCC Form 477 the amalgamated broadband speed measurement category based on Form 477 "All Terrestrial Broadband" as a proxy for coverage. This field is unique to the NBAM platform. These maps do not include satellite internet coverage (and may not include microwave coverage through the TERRA network for all connected areas).This map was produced by DCRA using data provided by NTIA through the NBAM platform as part of a joint data sharing agreement undertaken in the year 2021. Maps were produced using the feature layer "NBAM Data by Census Geography v4": https://maps.ntia.gov/arcgis/home/item.html?id=8068e420210542ba8d2b02c1c971fb20Coverage is symbolized using the following legend:No data avalible or no terrestrial coverage: Grey or transparent< 10 Mbps Maximum Reported Download: Red10-25 Mbps Maximum Reported Download: Orange25-50 Mbps Maximum Reported Download: Yellow50-100 Mbps Maximum Reported Download: Light Blue100-1000 Mbps Maximum Reported Download: Dark Blue_Description from layer "NBAM Data by Census Geography v4":This layer is a composite of seven sublayers with adjacent scale ranges: States, Counties, Census Tracts, Census Block Groups, Census Blocks, 100m Hexbins and 500m Hexbins. Each type of geometry contains demographic and internet usage data taken from the following sources: US Census Bureau 2010 Census data (2010) USDA Non-Rural Areas (2013) FCC Form 477 Fixed Broadband Deployment Data (Jan - Jun 2020) Ookla Consumer-Initiated Fixed Wi-Fi Speed Test Results (Jan - Jun 2020) FCC Population, Housing Unit, and Household Estimates (2019). Note that these are derived from Census and other data. BroadbandNow Average Minimum Terrestrial Broadband Plan Prices (2020) M-Lab (Jan - Jun 2020)Some data values are unique to the NBAM platform: US Census and USDA Rurality values. For units larger than blocks, block count (urban/rural) was used to determine this. Some tracts and block groups have an equal number of urban and rural blocks—so a new coded value was introduced: S (split). All blocks are either U or R, while tracts and block groups can be U, R, or S. Amalgamated broadband speed measurement categories based on Form 477. These include: 99: All Terrestrial Broadband Plus Satellite 98: All Terrestrial Broadband 97: Cable Modem 96: DSL 95: All Other (Electric Power Line, Other Copper Wireline, Other) Computed differences between FCC Form 477 and Ookla values for each area. These are reflected by six fields containing the difference of maximum, median, and minimum upload and download speed values.The FCC Speed Values method is applied to all speeds from all data sources within the custom-configured Omnibus service pop-up. This includes: Geography: State, County, Tract, Block Group, Block, Hex Bins geographies Data source: all data within the Omnibus, i.e. FCC, Ookla, M-Lab Representation: comparison tables and single speed values

In 2023, the share of rural households with internet access in the European Union remained nearly unchanged at around 90.52 percent. Nevertheless, 2023 still represents a peak in the share of rural households with internet access in the European Union with 90.52 percent. The EU survey on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in households and by individuals is an annual survey conducted since 2002 aiming at collecting and disseminating harmonised and comparable information on the use of ICT in households and by individuals. Data presented in this domain are collected on a yearly basis by the National Statistical Institutes and are based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaire. This questionnaire is updated each year to reflect the evolving situation of information and communication technologiesFind more statistics on in the European Union with key insights such as share of urban households with internet access, share of suburban households with internet access, and share of households with internet access.

This table shows the percentage of Canadian households in large, medium, and small population centres, as well as in rural areas, that can access 25 Mbps broadband services in each province and territory. Small population centres are considered to have populations of between 1,000 and 29, 000. Medium population centres are considered to have populations of between 30,000 and 99,999. Large population centres are considered to have populations greater than 100,000. Rural areas have populations of less than 1,000 or fewer than 400 people per square kilometre.

Broadband availability includes services delivered through fixed wireless technology. Actual availability may be restricted by capacity limitations in the network, topography and interference from structures and vegetation. As such, the figures should be considered a best possible availability estimate.

Satellite services are excluded since they have a national footprint.

Satellite Broadband Market Outlook

The global satellite broadband market size was valued at approximately USD 5.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 14.7 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% over the forecast period. The growth of this market can be primarily attributed to the increasing demand for high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas, advancements in satellite technology, and governmental initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide.

The need for ubiquitous internet connectivity has driven significant investments in satellite broadband technology. With over 3 billion people still lacking access to the internet, satellite broadband presents a viable solution to extend connectivity to remote and rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is economically unfeasible. This demand is being further accelerated by the increasing consumption of high-definition video content, online gaming, and cloud services, which require reliable and fast internet connections. Additionally, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in various sectors is pushing the need for robust and widespread internet coverage.

Technological advancements have played a critical role in propelling the growth of the satellite broadband market. The development of high-throughput satellites (HTS) has significantly increased the capacity and efficiency of satellite communications, leading to lower costs and higher data transfer rates. Companies like SpaceX with their Starlink project and OneWeb are deploying large constellations of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide global broadband coverage with reduced latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites. These innovations are expected to further enhance the performance and affordability of satellite broadband services.

Governmental initiatives and policies are also key drivers of market growth. Many governments around the world are implementing programs to improve internet accessibility as part of their digital inclusion agendas. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has established the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to subsidize broadband deployment in unserved rural areas. Similarly, the European Union has launched initiatives to support broadband infrastructure development in underserved regions. These policy measures are expected to create favorable conditions for the expansion of satellite broadband services.

The role of Satellite Modem technology is pivotal in the satellite broadband ecosystem. These modems are responsible for modulating and demodulating the signals that are transmitted and received via satellites, ensuring that data is efficiently processed and communicated. As the demand for high-speed internet grows, the need for advanced satellite modems that can handle increased data loads and provide seamless connectivity becomes more critical. Innovations in modem technology are enabling faster data rates and more reliable connections, which are essential for supporting the expanding applications of satellite broadband in both consumer and commercial markets. The development of compact and energy-efficient satellite modems is also contributing to the reduction of overall system costs, making satellite broadband more accessible to a wider audience.

Regionally, North America leads the satellite broadband market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. North America's dominance can be attributed to the presence of major market players, advanced infrastructure, and significant governmental support. Europe is also witnessing substantial growth due to increasing investments in satellite technology and supportive regulatory frameworks. Asia Pacific is emerging as a lucrative market, driven by rising internet penetration, economic development, and government initiatives to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas.

Component Analysis

The satellite broadband market can be segmented by component into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment includes satellite dishes, modems, and other ground equipment necessary for establishing satellite broadband connections. The software segment encompasses the platforms and applications required for network management, signal processing, and data analytics. Services include installation, maintenance, and technical support.

The hardware segment holds a substantial share of the market due to the si

The share of rural households with internet access in Sweden saw no significant changes in 2023 in comparison to the previous year 2022 and remained at around 91.72 percent. Still, 2023 marked the second consecutive decline of the share of rural households with internet access. Nevertheless, the share of rural households with internet access has been subject to fluctuation over the observed period.The EU survey on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in households and by individuals is an annual survey conducted since 2002 aiming at collecting and disseminating harmonised and comparable information on the use of ICT in households and by individuals. Data presented in this domain are collected on a yearly basis by the National Statistical Institutes and are based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaire. This questionnaire is updated each year to reflect the evolving situation of information and communication technologiesFind more statistics on in Sweden with key insights such as share of urban households with internet access, share of suburban households with internet access, and share of households with internet access.

This table shows the percentage of Canadian households in large, medium, and small population centres, as well as in rural areas, that can access 25 Mbps broadband services in each province and territory. Small population centres are considered to have populations of between 1,000 and 29, 000. Medium population centres are considered to have populations of between 30,000 and 99,999. Large population centres are considered to have populations greater than 100,000. Rural areas have populations of less than 1,000 or fewer than 400 people per square kilometre. Broadband availability includes services delivered through fixed wireless technology. Actual availability may be restricted by capacity limitations in the network, topography and interference from structures and vegetation. As such, the figures should be considered a best possible availability estimate. Satellite services are excluded since they have a national footprint.

This layer is no longer being actively maintained. For the latest broadband availability data from FCC, please see the FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). This layer shows fixed broadband availability for every neighborhood in the U.S. and outlying areas for June 2023.This layer is a composite of five sublayers with adjacent scale ranges showing the broadband score across the U.S. and outlying areas, at five different geographies – State, County, Tract, Block Group and Block. The broadband score is an index based on the FCC’s minimum standard of broadband of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. A geography with speeds of 25/3 Mbps is awarded 100 points. Each type of geometry contains housing, population, and internet usage data taken from the following sources:US Census Bureau 2010 Census data (2010)USDA Non-Rural Areas (2013)FCC Form 477 Fixed Broadband Deployment Data (January - June 2021)FCC Population, Housing Unit, and Household Estimates (2019). Note that these are derived from Census and other data.Measurement Lab (Jan - June 2021)Broadband offering data from each provider for all geographies are available in related tables. Field Names / Record StructureThis layer includes over 150 attributes relating to reported speed and service information. In addition:Each block includes housing unit, household, and population estimates from the FCC.Each block has an attribute named WaterOnly that indicates if it is entirely water (yes/no).Each block has two attributes indicating whether it is urban or rural (CensusUrbanRural and USDAUrbanRural). For units larger than blocks, block count (urban/rural) was used to determine this. Some tracts and block groups have an equal number of urban and rural blocks—so a new coded value was introduced: S (split). All blocks are either U or R, while tracts and block groups can be U, R, or S.Each block has three attributes indicating whether it is part of a Tribal Block Group, is part of an American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Area (AIANNHA) and the AIANNHA name.US Census and USDA Rurality valuesAmalgamated broadband speed measurement categories based on Form 477. These include:99: All Terrestrial Broadband Plus Satellite98: All Terrestrial Broadband97: Cable Modem96: DSL95: All Other (Electric Power Line, Other Copper Wireline, Other)The FCC Speed Values method is applied to all speeds from all data sources within this service. This includes:Geography: State, County, Tract, Block Group, BlockData source: FCC and M-LabWithin this method, speed values are shown as such:<1 Mbps, reported up to three decimal points>= 1 and < 2 Mbps, rounded to the nearest tenth>= 2 and < 10 Mbps, truncated to the lower integer>= 10 and < 1000 Mbps, rounded to the nearest integer>= 1000 Mbps, the published bandwidth = 1000 MbpsEach sublayer has a varying number of attributes from these sources, depending on what data is available for the level of granularity. The following table displays what information is included with which geometry types: GeometryFCC Form 477 Fixed (Jan - Dec 2020)FCC Demographic Estimates (2019)M-Lab (Jan - Dec 2020)BroadbandNow Avg. Min. Terrestrial Broadband Plan PricesUrban/rural flags (Census and USDA)StateYesYesYesYesNoCountyYesYesYesYesNoTractYesYesNoYesYes (U, R, S)Block GroupYesYesNoYesYes (U, R, S)BlockYesYesNoYesYes (U, R) Additional ResourcesFCC Staff Block EstimatesFixed Broadband Deployment Data from FCC Form 477Digital Divide: Broadband Pricing by State, ZIP Code, and Income Level (BroadbandUSA)Open Internet Measurement (M-Lab)Eligibility Area Map Datasets (USDA)