Who is using the internet at faster speeds?

Recent research found that as the share of White non-Hispanics increases, average download and upload speeds decreases. To delve deeper into this finding and better understand the factors affecting internet speeds, this research conducted spatial error regression models looking at different groups across two points in time (2019 and 2022). Results indicate that rural, older, and poorer groups continue to be associated with slower speeds and that by 2022, these relationships became stronger, widening the divide. Remote work and educational attainment had a positive impact on speeds, particularly average upload speeds. These positive impacts increased over time, providing evidence of the need for symmetrical networks (download and upload speeds are identical). Lastly, the finding that White non-Hispanics are associated with slower internet speeds remained: it was in place as early as 2019 and became stronger by 2022, also widening the divide. Five research and policy insights are discussed to better inform broadband stakeholders and policymakers.