In today’s digital age, a reliable home internet connection is needed for everyday life. But, if you live in rural America, you know that it can be especially difficult to find a quality home internet provider that doesn’t break the bank.
Most fiber internet companies have not expanded to rural areas yet, and if cable internet is available, it’s typically expensive. Many cable internet providers take advantage of the limited options rural Americans have to charge expensive prices for relatively slow speeds.
Rise Broadband was created to give customers living in rural areas a competitive choice for home internet. The company delivers dependable and affordable home internet to rural and suburban areas.
Rise Broadband – Company Overview
Based in Englewood, Colorado, Rise Broadband is the biggest fixed wireless broadband service provider in the United States. The company provides high-speed broadband internet and phone services to over 200,000 homes and businesses across 16 U.S. states.
Pros
- Great rural coverage
- Low latency
- High data allowances
Cons
- Relatively slow internet speeds
- Limited nationwide availability
- Bad weather can disrupt connectivity
Highlights
Available Speeds: 25-250 Mbps
Price Range: $25-$39.95/month
Data Cap: 250 GB for most plans
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Its parent company, JAB Wireless, Inc. was founded in 2005. JAB Wireless previously operated under the names Skybeam, Digis, T6, Prairie iNet, and Rhino Communications. In 2015, these companies were all re-branded under the singular Rise Broadband name.
Where Is Rise Broadband Available?
Rise Broadband is currently available in parts of 16 states. Here is a list of all of the states and some specific areas:
- Colorado: Front Range, I-25 and I-70 corridors, Western Slope
- Idaho: Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls
- Illinois: Rockford, Kankakee, Champaign, Bloomington, Springfield/Decatur
- Indiana
- Iowa: Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada: Las Vegas, Pahrump, Wendover, Wells
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Durant, Seminole
- South Dakota
- Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth, Waco, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, S. Central Texas, Austin
- Utah: Salt Lake City, Provo, Logan, Ogden
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Why We Like Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband seeks to help bridge the digital gap by providing a viable alternative to fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite internet. Their fixed wireless internet services are an especially popular option for Americans living in underserved areas with limited home internet options.
Like pretty much every other internet provider these days, Rise Broadband is expanding to sell fiber internet services. But, their fiber network is still in the beginning stages. Currently, the company primarily offers wireless broadband internet.
How Does Rise Broadband Work?
Rise Broadband is a unique internet service provider because it’s wireless. Since wireless internet works over the air instead of relying on underground wiring, it is accessible even in places where conventional internet infrastructure hasn’t been developed.
Satellite and 5G are also wireless internet options, but Rise Broadband is different, using a technology known as fixed wireless internet.
Fixed wireless internet works by sending signals from nearby towers to an antenna with an attached radio receiver installed on your home’s roof. Your modem converts the signals received from nearby towers into your internet connection.
When installed, the antenna is directed towards the closest Access Point tower. It must have a clear line of sight to work, meaning no buildings, trees, buildings, hills, or other obstructions blocking its view.
Fixed wireless internet has some advantages over satellite internet from companies like Starlink – the biggest being its low latency. With satellite internet, signals must travel thousands of miles into space, resulting in high latency (or delay). This makes tasks like video calling or online gaming nearly impossible.
While not exactly fast, Rise Broadband’s fixed wireless internet service is suitable for most people and can be used for remote working, gaming, and streaming. However, there are still some downsides to fixed wireless technology. Most notably, inclement weather like storms or tornadoes can affect your internet connection.
In addition to residential fixed wireless home internet, Rise Broadband offers Ethernet over fixed wireless services, primarily to businesses. Ethernet over fixed wireless eliminates a lot of the risks associated with wireless internet. It includes custom-built installation tailored to the unique signal path of your location and accounts for the weather to help keep you online even when most internet providers can’t.
Rise Broadband Internet
Rise Broadband offers three plans with different internet speeds: up to 25 Mbps, 50 Mbps, and 250 Mbps. However, specific internet speeds vary significantly based on where you live and how close your home is to the nearest Access Point tower. So, speeds are not guaranteed.
| Plan | Speed | Price | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic – 25 Mbps | Up to 25 Mbps | $25/mo | 250 GB |
| Standard – 50 Mbps | 25-50 Mbps | $39.95/mo | 250 GB |
| Premium – 250 Mbps | Up to 250 Mbps | $45/mo | Unlimited |
Additional speeds may be available in selection locations, but not all plans are available in all areas. To find out which specific plans are available where you live, type in your address on the Check Service Availability page of the Rise Broadband website.
25 Mbps – $25/mo.
The least expensive option gives you internet speeds of up to 25 Mbps (download speeds.) This plan has a data cap of 250 GB per month, with an option to upgrade to unlimited.
50 Mbps – $39.95/mo.
For about $15 more per month, this plan gives you speeds ranging from 25-50 Mbps. Like the lower-tier plan, there is a 250 GB data cap unless you upgrade to unlimited.
250 Mbps – $45/mo.
This plan gives you internet speeds up to 250 Mbps, with unlimited data and free installation included. Where available, customers can upgrade to fiber internet. Even though this plan is marketed as unlimited data, the Rise Broadband website states that data may still be managed to prevent network congestion.
The first 12 months are considered a promotional period. There are no annual contracts on any of Rise Broadband’s plans. However, most plans have a data cap of 250 GB. If you go over your monthly allowance, there is a $5 fee for every 10 GB of data used over your allotment. There is an option to upgrade to Unlimited Data on any plan for an extra monthly fee.
Lifeline Discount
Lifeline is a federal government program that helps eligible low-income customers afford phone and internet services. Under the Lifeline program, Rise Broadband offers discounts to qualifying households.
To be eligible for a Lifeline discount, your yearly income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or you must be participating in one of these government assistance programs:
- Food Stamps / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid (not Medicare)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- The Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension benefit
To apply to receive the Lifeline benefit with Rise Broadband, print and fill out the Lifeline Application, then mail it along with proof of eligibility to:
Rise Broadband
Lifeline Services
619 14th St SW
Loveland, CO 80537
If you are already a Rise Broadband customer and your application is approved, you will start getting discounted rates on your next bill. If you do not have Rise Broadband yet, you can sign up for internet or phone services by phone, and then mail in your completed application and proof of eligibility for the program.
Device Care Packages
Rise Broadband offers several device care packages that give you 24/7 support and coverage for up to 5 devices, including your home computer. If you are someone who often needs help with hardware or internet-related issues, you might benefit from purchasing one of these packages.
| Feature | Rise Support – $9.99/mo. | Rise Protect – $14.99/mo. | Rise Secure – $19.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/mo | $14.99/mo | $19.99/mo |
| Computer Health Checks | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| TV Streaming Support | Yes (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) | Yes (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) | Yes (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) |
| Home Network Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Device Support | Yes (Smart TVs, appliances) | Yes (Smart TVs, appliances) | Yes (Smart TVs, appliances) |
| Malware Scans and Removal | No | On-demand | On-demand |
| Antivirus Software | No | No | Avira |
| Real-Time Virus Removal | No | No | Yes |
Rise Support – $9.99/mo.
The Rise Support plan includes unlimited computer health checks and tune-ups as well as support for the best TV streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, your home network, and internet devices like smart TVs and appliances.
Rise Protect – $14.99/mo.
In addition to all of the features of Rise Support, you also get on-demand malware scans and removal with Rise Protect.
Rise Secure – $19.99/mo.
Rise Secure includes everything in Rise Protect, plus Avira antivirus software and real-time virus removal services.
Asurion Home+
Rise Broadband offers an all-in-one tech solution through Asurion Home+. With Asurion Home+, customers get:
- 24/7 tech support for every member of your household.
- Coverage for all of your home tech, including TVs, laptops, computers, routers, WiFi equipment, smart watches, and more. All of your future purchases are automatically covered, as well.
- Easy, quick repairs if something breaks. If it can’t be fixed, Asurion will give you a replacement or reimbursement.
Asurion Home+ offers a 30-day free trial for Rise Broadband customers.
Rise Fiber
Rise Broadband is slowly rolling out fiber internet services capable of reaching speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Fiber internet is the future of home connectivity. It’s the fastest and most reliable home internet option, but it’s not widely available in the United States.
Currently, Rise Broadband’s fiber offering is extremely limited. It is available in many areas of Texas and parts of Illinois (the full list of cities is on the Fiber page of the website.) The company is constantly expanding its fiber footprint, but most customers won’t be able to take advantage of its fast fiber internet services yet.
Digital Phone
Rise Broadband offers digital phone services known as ActivePhone. It gives you all the benefits of traditional home phone services along with extra, advanced features like multi-ring (rings your mobile phone as well as your home phone when you get a call), voicemail messaging (to your email or via text), and web-based administration tools.
| Service | Monthly Cost | International Minutes | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActivePhone | $20/mo | 300 minutes | Equipment rental ($1-$6 per line) |
ActivePhone includes unlimited domestic calls and up to 300 minutes of international calls each month to landlines in 64 countries. You also get caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling, auto redial, and last call return features. When signing up for digital phone services, customers can choose to keep their current phone number or get a new one.
ActivePhone requires Rise Broadband internet to work. Rise Broadband customers can add digital phone services to their internet plan for $20 per month plus equipment rental fees ($1-$6 per line.)
Installation
Rise Broadband requires professional installation. The cost is $149 (free installation is included for the 250 Mbps plan.)
After you sign up for Rise Broadband, a technician will visit your home to confirm line of sight and that there is a clear signal to an Access Point tower. After determining that service will work, the technician will install an antenna on your roof and Ethernet inside your home.
Equipment
Rise Broadband lets you use your own router, or you can rent one from them.
| Feature | Advanced Wi-Fi – $15/mo. | Advanced Premium Wi-Fi – $20/mo. | Advanced Premium Mesh – $25/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $15/mo | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| Router Model | DecoX21 | DecoX21 | DecoX21 |
| Number of Routers | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Coverage Area | Up to 2,200 sq ft | Up to 4,000 sq ft | Up to 5,800 sq ft |
| WiFi Technology | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Home Network Management | Via Deco App | Via Deco App | Via Deco App |
| App Compatibility | Apple, Google devices | Apple, Google devices | Apple, Google devices |
Deco X21 is Rise Broadband’s next-gen wireless router. It is equipped with the latest WiFi 6 technology and provides an advanced WiFi experience with whole-home coverage.
With DecoX21, customers can also manage their home networks through the Deco app, which is available for Apple and Google devices.
There are three packages available to purchase, depending on the size of your home:
Advanced Wi-Fi – $15/mo.
This plan includes one DecoX21 router, which covers up to 2,200 sq ft.
Advanced Premium Wi-Fi – $20/mo.
With this plan, you get two DecoX21 routers. It is best for homes 4,000 sq ft. or smaller.
Advanced Premium Mesh – $25/mo.
Suitable for homes up to 5,800 sq ft, this plan includes three DecoX21 routers.
How To Sign Up
To sign up for Rise Broadband online, visit the Check Service Availability page on the website. Enter your address to see which specific plans and speeds are available at your location. From there, you can select a plan, enter a payment method, and complete the sign-up process.
Alternatively, you can sign up for Rise Broadband internet services over the phone at 844-411-RISE.
How To Contact / Get Tech Support
If you have questions about Rise Broadband services, first check out the website’s Q&A page. If you can’t find the answers you are looking for or need to speak with someone directly, there are a few ways you can get in touch with Rise Broadband customer support.
To contact customer support over the phone, call one of these phone lines during business hours:
Customer Care: 844-816-9149
Available Monday – Friday from 7 AM – 5 PM MT, closed weekends
Technical Support: 877-910-6207
Available Monday – Friday from 5 AM – 10 PM MT, Saturday – Sunday from 7 AM – 8 PM MT
Sales Support: 855-275-9473
Available Monday – Friday from 7 AM – 8 PM MT, Saturday from 8 AM – 5 PM, closed Sundays
You can also contact Rise Broadband customer service through email at one of these email addresses:
Customer Support Team: [email protected]
Billing: [email protected]
Sales: [email protected]
How To Cancel Rise Broadband Service
To cancel Rise Broadband services, call the Customer Care phone line at 844-816-9149 during hours of operation. None of the Rise Broadband plans have any annual contracts, so you are free to cancel at any time for no penalty fees. Keep in mind that Rise Broadband requires a 30-day notice before canceling, effective at the end of each month.
Is Rise Broadband Right for Me?
Rise Broadband offers decent speeds at competitive prices. While its fixed wireless internet services won’t amaze you with lightning-fast speeds or rock-bottom pricing, you might find its low latency, generous data allowances, and lack of yearly contracts appealing – especially if you live in a rural area where satellite or dial-up might be your only other options.
Rise Broadband’s value greatly depends on where you live and the speeds you can get for the price. In some areas, cellular internet providers like Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet may offer faster, more affordable internet. Like fixed wireless, 5G internet is wireless; and, it’s worth looking into if you live in a rural area.
Overall, Rise Broadband is a solid rural internet provider, but little else. If you live somewhere where fiber or cable internet is available, you should check out these providers first. Our other reviews of the best internet providers can help you discover which is the best fit for your budget and usage needs.
