The cable industry continues to be a cornerstone of America’s economy, fueling both innovation and opportunity. A new report commissioned by NCTA and conducted by Chmura Economics & Analytics highlights the sector’s sweeping impact on jobs, infrastructure, and communities nationwide.
In 2024 alone, the U.S. cable industry generated $568.7 billion in total economic output and supported 1.3 million jobs across the country.
Broadband: Connectivity and Investment
Cable broadband providers are powering much of America’s digital infrastructure: In 2024, they:
- Generated $366 billion in total economic impact
- Supported nearly 888,000 jobs nationwide
- Delivered connectivity for 59% of all fixed internet connections, serving 80 million subscribers
The industry also invested $25.1 billion last year in network expansion, scalable infrastructure, customer equipment, and support systems. Those dollars ripple outward—supporting tens of thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs while strengthening the networks that keep communities connected.
Programming: Entertainment with Economic Impact
Behind every channel and show is a programming sector that fuels jobs, investment, and innovation. In 2024, cable programmers:
- Generated $196 billion in economic impact
- Supported more than 351,000 jobs
- Delivered high-quality, award-winning television that entertains and informs millions of households
State-Level Impact
The cable industry’s benefits reach every corner of the country, with particularly large impacts in several states:
- California – $117.4 billion total impact, 209,000 jobs
- New York – $91.8 billion total impact, 165,000 jobs
- Texas – $45.8 billion total impact, 116,000 jobs
- Florida – $43.7 billion total impact, 116,000 jobs
And while the numbers vary, every state—from the largest to the smallest—sees meaningful contributions from broadband infrastructure and programming. For an interactive look at the data, including a state-by-state map of investments, visit NCTA’s Economic Impact page.
For a closer look at the industry’s economic role across the nation, states, and congressional districts, explore the full “Investing in America 2024 – The Cable Industry’s Economic Impact on People, Infrastructure & Programming” report.
