Starlink's definitely a step up from older rural connections, but I wouldn't dismiss DSL entirely. We lived pretty far out for years and had DSL—it wasn't blazing fast, but it rarely dropped completely, even during storms. With satellite, weather disruptions are just part of the deal sometimes. A neighbor switched to Starlink last year, and while he's mostly happy, he still keeps his old DSL line as backup. Might be worth considering if reliability is critical. Congrats on your new spot, though—sounds amazing!
Interesting perspective, though I'd argue DSL's reliability can vary quite a bit depending on your exact location and infrastructure quality. I invested in a rural property a couple years back, and the DSL there was honestly more headache than help—frequent outages, painfully slow speeds at peak times... definitely not the stable backup you're describing. Eventually switched to Starlink, and while weather disruptions do happen occasionally, overall uptime has actually improved significantly compared to what we had before.
Maybe your neighbor's DSL line is better maintained or closer to the exchange? Infrastructure quality can differ dramatically even within the same general area. I'd suggest checking with neighbors who've used DSL recently before relying on it as a backup option. Congrats on finding your dream home though; rural living definitely has its perks and quirks.
"Infrastructure quality can differ dramatically even within the same general area."
Couldn't agree more with this. When I was scouting properties a while back, I noticed that even houses just a mile apart could have wildly different internet experiences. One place had DSL speeds that felt like dial-up nostalgia (not in a good way), while another nearby property had surprisingly decent service. It's really hit or miss, and sometimes you don't know until you're already moved in.
Starlink seems promising though—I've heard mostly good things, aside from the occasional weather hiccup you mentioned. Definitely something I'd consider as a backup if I were moving rural again. Glad you found something that works better for you now... rural life is great, but reliable internet is definitely one of those quirks you gotta navigate carefully.
Yeah, totally relate to that. When we refinanced our place, we realized just how patchy infrastructure can be—even within the same zip code. Our neighbors literally two streets down had fiber optic, while we were stuck with satellite internet that dropped every time it rained. Starlink's been a lifesaver, though. A bit pricey upfront, but honestly worth it for the peace of mind... especially if you're working remotely or streaming a lot. Rural living's awesome, but you've gotta be prepared for these little surprises.
Starlink's a solid option, no doubt, but I've seen mixed experiences with it. Had a buddy who jumped on board early, and while he loved it initially, he started noticing slower speeds during peak times once more folks in his area signed up. Infrastructure's always a gamble in rural spots—sometimes it's worth checking if local co-ops or smaller ISPs have expanded quietly. Might find something cheaper and just as reliable without the upfront cost... or not. Rural internet roulette, right?
