America's Internet Leadership

By any objective measure, the U.S. is a global leader in availability, affordability and quality of the fiber-rich broadband networks that are available in nearly every community. According to the Web Index, a project of World Wide Web Foundation established by Internet pioneer Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the U.S. leads the world in how the Internet has an impact on the national economy. And when measuring the actual network speeds that are offered around the world, the U.S. is home to many of the fastest broadband regions found anywhere.

Broadband internet networks, bolstered by infrastructure investments from cable operators, offer ultrafast connections that provide instantaneous access to a wealth of information and robust online services. Private companies in the U.S. have invested more than $1.5 trillion in the last 20 years to build and maintain broadband networks across the country.

Americans enjoy robust competition between wired and wireless providers and entry-level pricing for American broadband is second lowest in the world. The U.S. has also long been a leader in the total number of Wi-Fi hotspots, which have become an important part of extending the broadband experience well beyond the home.

For nearly 20 years, cable has been building Internet networks that are empowering everyone from innovators and entrepreneurs to kids in the garage. The Internet propels business, education, entertainment, and so much more. It’s a platform of possibilities and the fast growing technology in history. Cable is proud of the part we’ve played in advancing America’s future. Watch the video to learn more.

The history of broadband in America reflects rapid expansion, ongoing investment and efforts to facilitate its growth. Cable’s private sector has invested more than $290 billion in infrastructure since 1996. Notably, cable’s robust fiber-rich broadband networks are available to 93 percent of all American households and by the end of 2018, 70 percent of U.S. homes will have access to gigabit internet service. Faster speeds are driving the creation of services and apps that are opening up new opportunities. The average download speed in the U.S. is nearly 94 Mbps, roughly double the global average.