people who life a few miles from city limits likely have much cheaper alternatives... typically wireless. (not cellular... usually 2.4ghz or 900mhz)
I can name 5 different wireless providers in my area... they are more expensive than DSL or cable within city limits... but WAY more economical than Sat. (much lower ping times too)
Not all areas do. And we're not talking about areas outside the city limits. Suburban and exurban areas have cable and usually DSL or FIOS/U-Verse. It's the legitimately rural areas that we're talking about here. Not that it makes it any less important to get real internet out there though.
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