Is US Broadband Service Slow?

Opponents of the current private-sector-provided broadband system have long engaged in a campaign to convince people that US broadband is deficient. Critics malign the quality of US broadband networks by claiming the speeds are too slow. But the question of speed is deceptively complex since there is general confusion over what constitutes “fast” broadband. On the contrary, high-speed services are widely available in the US—and high-speed network deployment outpaces adoption rates, suggesting consumers are happy with lower speeds than those available. Additionally, broadband services in the US generally meet or exceed the speeds they advertise. US services rank among the top few countries globally in speed tests. The speeds are many times higher than the Federal Communication Commission's definition of “broadband” and higher than the amount of bandwidth average households likely use. As is generally the case, expending resources to strengthen areas that are already strong detracts from efforts to close the digital divide. From every angle, US broadband speeds are strong and in no way support the narrative advanced by those seeking to establish a government-owned broadband system.