The Data is in and U.S. Internet Continues to Get Faster

ookla speed

For the first time, US broadband download speeds are averaging over 50 Mbps. Ookla, the world-trusted independent source for broadband speed data, released a report earlier this month revealing a huge fixed broadband speed jump. This represents more than a 40 percent increase from this time last year.

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The three fastest ISPs, as evaluated by Ookla, were XFINITY, Cox, and Spectrum (the ISP formed by the merger of Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House).

According to Ookla, broadband speeds are ranked “based on top 10 percent performance which is determined using the 90th percentile of the download and upload speeds of each ISP’s Speedtest results.” In other words, it’s a measure of each ISP’s top tier, providing a view of the network’s peak abilities.

Last year we did a report on how speed tests like Ookla’s work. It’s important to remember that whenever speed test data is gathered, factors like time, location, device, and whatever else is happening over your home network outside of the speed test can affect the results. While they’re an imperfect method, speed tests like ones from Ookla do a good job of showing improvement over time. Breaking the 50 Mbps milestone is a testament to the commitment, hard work, and investments ISPs are continually making to improve their networks.

This blog also appeared in CTAM Smartbrief. To sign up, click here.