Rise Broadband Speed Test — Fixed Wireless Check
Run a free Rise Broadband speed test to accurately measure the performance of your fixed wireless connection. This diagnostic tool checks your download speed, upload speed, latency (ping), and jitter. Once complete, compare your results against Rise's residential plans. If your speeds are unusually slow, read our guide below to troubleshoot your POE injector, diagnose rain fade, and understand the impact of data caps.
| Technology | Fixed Wireless Internet |
| Coverage | 16 US States (Colorado, Texas, Illinois, etc.) |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 100 Mbps (location dependent) |
| Data Caps | 250 GB standard (Unlimited add-ons available) |
| Router Models | Cambium PMP450 / Telrad Roof Antennas |
| Term Contracts | 1-year or no-contract options |
| Typical Latency | 25 - 60 Milliseconds |
| Unique Features | Crucial terrestrial alternative in rural areas |
Rise Broadband Plans & Expected Speeds
Fixed wireless is fundamentally different from cable or fiber. Your speed depends on signal quality — the distance to the tower, the weather, and whether anything (like a growing tree) is blocking the line of sight.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Real-World Range | Typical Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise 25 | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 15-25 Mbps (good signal) | $35 / mo |
| Rise 50 | 50 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 30-50 Mbps (good signal) | $50 / mo |
| Rise 100 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 50-100 Mbps (close to tower) | $75 / mo |
Note: If your speed test shows 35 Mbps on a 50 Mbps plan, that is 70% of plan speed and generally considered normal for fixed wireless, which has inherent variability.
How Your Roof Antenna Works
Rise installs a radio antenna (commonly Cambium or Telrad) on your roof, pointed at the nearest tower. The system chain is: Tower → Roof Antenna → Ethernet Cable → POE Injector → Router → Your Devices.
POE Injector Troubleshooting
The POE (Power over Ethernet) injector inside your house is the most common point of failure:
- Light on (solid): The antenna has power. If internet is down, the issue is at the tower or your router.
- Light flickering: Power fault. Check for visible damage to the outdoor cable.
- Light off: No power reaching the antenna. Check the wall outlet.
The #1 Fix: Unplug the POE injector from the wall for 90 seconds (the roof radio needs time to fully discharge). Plug it back in and wait 5 minutes for the antenna to re-register with the tower.
The Rise Troubleshooting Guide
1. Rain Fade
Heavy rain absorbs radio signals. During a downpour, your speed can drop 30-50%. This is not something Rise can fix — it is the physics of radio waves interacting with water droplets. Once the weather clears, your speed returns to normal. Light rain typically has minimal impact.
2. Tree Growth ("The Leaf Effect")
Fixed wireless requires near line-of-sight between your roof antenna and the tower. A tree that was bare when Rise installed your antenna in December may have full foliage by June, gradually degrading your signal. If your speed slowly worsened over spring and summer, you likely need the tree trimmed or the antenna raised.
3. Antenna Misalignment
Strong winds can physically twist the mounting bracket holding your roof antenna. If your speed permanently dropped after a severe storm and the weather is now clear, the antenna has likely been moved off-axis. A Rise technician must visit to re-aim it.
Rise Broadband - Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Crucial terrestrial broadband option for rural areas without cable/fiber.
- Much lower latency (25-60ms) compared to traditional geostationary satellite internet (600ms+), making video calls possible.
- More affordable upfront costs than Starlink.
Cons:
- Strict 250 GB data cap on most standard residential plans.
- Highly susceptible to severe weather (rain fade) and line-of-sight obstructions.
- Speeds are heavily dependent on how far your house is from the nearest tower.
Competitor Comparison
| Competitor | Network Focus | Key Feature Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink | Low-Earth Orbit Satellite | Offers faster speeds (50-220 Mbps) and no data caps, but the hardware is very expensive upfront ($599) and the monthly fee is higher. |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Cellular | If you have strong 5G cell service at your house, T-Mobile offers unlimited data for a flat $50/month, completely bypassing Rise's 250 GB cap. |
| HughesNet / Viasat | Geostationary Satellite | Traditional satellite options. Rise Broadband is vastly superior to these because Rise has much lower latency (ping), making it vastly better for gaming and Zoom calls. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Rise internet slow when it rains?
This is called "rain fade". Rise Broadband uses radio frequencies to beam internet from a local tower to the antenna on your roof. Heavy rain absorbs and scatters these radio waves. In heavy downpours, expect speeds to drop by 30-50%. Once the weather clears, speeds return to normal.
Does Rise Broadband have data caps?
Yes. Most Rise residential plans include a 250 GB monthly data allowance. Unlimited data add-ons are available in some markets for an extra fee. If you exceed 250 GB, Rise may charge overage fees or throttle your speed.
How do I reset my Rise Broadband connection?
Do not just reset your Wi-Fi router. Locate the small POE (Power over Ethernet) injector brick plugged into the wall. Unplug it from power for exactly 90 seconds. Plug it back in, wait 5 minutes, and then check your internet.
How do I contact Rise Broadband support?
You can reach Rise Broadband customer support by calling 844-411-7473.