The latest Progressive Policy Institute Investment Heroes 2016 report is in, and for the third year in a row, ISPs are the biggest investors of capital in the United States. With a total of over $48 billion invested in 2015, ISPs are injecting billions of dollars into networks and equipment to meet customer demands in an ever-evolving digital world.
Since its inception in 2012, the Progressive Policy Institute identified the top 25 companies that are investing in domestic long-term growth and productivity. For 2015, total capital expenditures equaled $177 billion, up from $172 billion in 2014. NCTA member companies on the list included Comcast which ranked eighth at $8.3 billion, and Time Warner Cable (now Charter) in 21st place at $4.5 billion.
By investing more capital into infrastructure improvements, ISPs have ensured that smarter networks and faster broadband continue to become more accessible to American consumers. Following the telecom and cable providers on the list were energy production companies, technology and internet companies, and energy distribution companies, all together accounting for 80 percent of the total investment for the top 25 investment heroes.
The report, subtitled “Fighting Short-Termism,” acknowledged that despite an overall net decrease in U.S. capital spending that has much to do with regulatory uncertainties and fallen oil prices, “The fact that the telecom and cable companies manage to stay on the top of the list reflects the rapid pace of innovation in the industry and the desire to meet growing demand for high-speed broadband.” The industry continues to make long-term investments in America, which the report says should be lauded, not impeded by policymakers through layers of regulations that only end up undercutting future incentives for capital investment.