An analysis of average internet speeds across U.S. states in 2025, highlighting the fastest and slowest regions.

The statistic shows the average internet connection speed in the United States from 2007 to 2017. In the first quarter of 2017, the average internet connection speed was ***** Mbps.

It is a painful reality for many internet users that not all online connections are created equally – this is something that online users in low-density and rural U.S. states can attest to. According to August 2018 data, New Jersey was the U.S. state with the fastest internet connection with an average connection speed of 52 Mbps. Montana ranked last with an average connection speed of 20.3 Mbps. Internet speed in the United States There are many U.S. cities that are bustling hubs for tech companies and startups and it is no surprise that connectivity and innovation go hand in hand. According to data from the third quarter of 2018, Kansas City, Missouri had access to fixed internet connections with the fastest average download speed in the United States at 159.19 Megabits per second and also scored highest for average upload speed with 127.03 Mbps. In 2011, Kansas City, MO was selected as one of the first cities to receive Google Fiber, Google’s then newly launched broadband internet service. Other notable metro areas in the ranking of the cities with the fastest upload and download speeds include Texas tech heavyweights Austin and San Antonio, as well as San Francisco, California and Boston, Massachusetts. Mobile internet connectivity in the United States As of the first quarter of 2019, over 40 percent of website traffic in the United States was via mobile device. Mobile internet adoption is driven by availability and cost – in 2018, the estimated average price of cellular data per gigabyte in the United States was 4.64 U.S. dollars. However, the cost per mobile GB is projected to decrease to 2.75 U.S. dollars by 2023. In the third quarter of 2018, Minneapolis, Minnesota had access to the fastest average mobile download speed in the United States at 44.92 Megabits per second, and also scored highest for average upload speed with 14.26 Mbps.

The statistic shows the average speed of Wi-Fi in the United States from 2016 to 2023. In 2017, the average Wi-Fi speed reached 32.26 megabits per second. It is forecast to get faster and faster, reaching 73.79 megabits per second by 2023.

This statistic shows the average Wi-Fi network connection speeds in North America until 2020, with projections looking towards 2023 (in Mbps). The average speed in 2020 was 70.7 Mbps, which was a 24 percent increase from 2019. In 2021, it is expected to increase by another 23 percent from 2020 with 58.9 Mbps.

As of May 2025, Singapore had the fastest fixed broadband internet worldwide, with a median download speed of 372.02 Mbps. France ranked second at 315.38 Mbps, while the UAE followed in third. Fixed internet connections deliver broadband to a home, office, or other fixed premises, with fiber connections offering the best quality service.

The internet service providers industry uses wired infrastructure to provide clients with internet access and related services, like web hosting, web page designing and consulting related to internet connectivity. Rising internet usage has benefited industry revenue growth, and government-subsidized network expansion has done the same, increasing the number of US broadband connections. A push toward broadband expansion in rural markets and a climb in demand from business customers has boosted industry revenue, which is poised to incline at an annualized rate of 3.5% to $168.5 billion in 2025, including growth of 4.2% in 2025 as investments and activity mount in line with an improving macroeconomic environment. As households increasingly rely on the internet for streaming, gaming, remote work, and cloud computing, ISPs are scrambling to deliver faster and more reliable service. The rising adoption of cloud computing, which involves accessing data online, has boosted demand for dedicated internet access services sold at a higher profit. With increasing demand, providers have begun launching fiber optic networks, rapidly improving connection speeds. Major enterprises that typically benefit from economies of scale also continue to bundle TV and phone, which includes Voice over Internet Protocol services and high-speed internet into one service package, adopting new technology. Consolidation has swept the industry, with blockbuster mergers—such as T-Mobile’s tie-up with Sprint and Verizon’s multi-billion-dollar acquisition push—reshaping market share and intensifying competition. At the same time, average broadband speeds have more than doubled, but ISPs have faced mounting pressure from cord-cutters, OTT competitors and fierce price wars, often leading to flat or declining revenues per user even as consumer bandwidth use reaches new heights. This competitive environment has led to plummeting profit. Looking ahead, the ISP industry shows no sign of slowing down. Over the next five years, fiber expansion and 5G fixed wireless will reach an even greater share of US households. Providers will continue investing heavily in gigabit networks, edge computing and advanced Wi-Fi to keep pace with the explosion in cloud computing, IoT devices and remote work. Retaining customers will hinge on delivering faster speeds, greater reliability, strong security and innovative value-added services, especially as open-access networks and new entrants threaten to erode traditional market advantages. Continued demand will lead to industry revenue growth, poised to climb at an annualized rate of 4.4% to $208.9 billion in 2030.

The statistic shows the countries with the highest average internet connection speed during the first quarter of 2017, measured in Megabits per second. During that quarter, IPv4 internet connections in Norway averaged a connection speed of 23.5 Mbps. The global average IPv4 connection speed was 7.2 Mbps.

Average connection speeds are higher in developed Asian countries; South Korea leads with an average connection speed of 28.6 Mbps. This is a growth of more than 9.3 percent to the first quarter of the previous year.

The U.S. states with the highest average internet connection speed include Delaware, District of Columbia and Utah, with first-ranking D.C. having an average connection speed of some 28.1 Mbps as of the first quarter of 2017.

As of the same period, 83 percent of internet users in South Korea enjoyed a connection speed of over 10 Mbps, which is classed as high broadband connectivity. Next in the 10 Mbps broadband adoption rate ranking are Switzerland and the Singapore with 73 percent of high broadband connectivity each. Both Switzerland and Singapore's relatively small size combined with their wealth are a significant factor in terms of telecommunications infrastructure upgrades.

Up until the beginning of 2014, average connection speeds worldwide were under 4 Mbps and by the fourth quarter of 2016, global connection speed averaged at 7 Mbps.

AboutSpeedtest data is used today by commercial fixed and mobile network operators around the world to inform network buildout, improve global Internet quality, and increase Internet accessibility. Government regulators such as the United States Federal Communications Commission and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission use Speedtest data to hold telecommunications entities accountable and direct funds for rural and urban connectivity development. Ookla licenses data to NGOs and educational institutions to fulfill its mission: to help make the internet better, faster and more accessible for everyone. Ookla hopes to further this mission by distributing the data to make it easier for individuals and organizations to use it for the purposes of bridging the social and economic gaps between those with and without modern Internet access.DataOverviewTilesHundreds of millions of Speedtests are taken on the Ookla platform each month. In order to create a manageable dataset, we aggregate raw data into tiles. The size of a data tile is defined as a function of "zoom level" (or "z"). At z=0, the size of a tile is the size of the whole world. At z=1, the tile is split in half vertically and horizontally, creating 4 tiles that cover the globe. This tile-splitting continues as zoom level increases, causing tiles to become exponentially smaller as we zoom into a given region. By this definition, tile sizes are actually some fraction of the width/height of Earth according to Web Mercator projection (EPSG:3857). As such, tile size varies slightly depending on latitude, but tile sizes can be estimated in meters.For the purposes of these layers, a zoom level of 16 (z=16) is used for the tiling. This equates to a tile that is approximately 610.8 meters by 610.8 meters at the equator (18 arcsecond blocks). The geometry of each tile is represented in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) in the tile field.The data can be found at: https://github.com/teamookla/ookla-open-dataUpdate CadenceThe tile aggregates start in Q1 2019 and go through the most recent quarter. They will be updated shortly after the conclusion of the quarter.Esri ProcessingThis layer is a best available aggregation of the original Ookla dataset. This means that for each tile that data is available, the most recent data is used. So for instance, if data is available for a tile for Q2 2019 and for Q4 2020, the Q4 2020 data is awarded to the tile. The default visualization for the layer is the "broadband index". The broadband index is a bivariate index based on both the average download speed and the average upload speed. For Mobile, the score is indexed to a standard of 35 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. A tile with average Speedtest results of 25/3 Mbps is awarded 100 points. Tiles with average speeds above 25/3 are shown in green, tiles with average speeds below this are shown in fuchsia. For Fixed, the score is indexed to a standard of 100 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. A tile with average Speedtest results of 100/20 Mbps is awarded 100 points. Tiles with average speeds above 100/20 are shown in green, tiles with average speeds below this are shown in fuchsia.Tile AttributesEach tile contains the following attributes:The year and the quarter that the tests were performed.The average download speed of all tests performed in the tile, represented in megabits per second.The average upload speed of all tests performed in the tile, represented in megabits per second.The average latency of all tests performed in the tile, represented in millisecondsThe number of tests taken in the tile.The number of unique devices contributing tests in the tile.The quadkey representing the tile.QuadkeysQuadkeys can act as a unique identifier for the tile. This can be useful for joining data spatially from multiple periods (quarters), creating coarser spatial aggregations without using geospatial functions, spatial indexing, partitioning, and an alternative for storing and deriving the tile geometry.LayersThere are two layers:Ookla_Mobile_Tiles - Tiles containing tests taken from mobile devices with GPS-quality location and a cellular connection type (e.g. 4G LTE, 5G NR).Ookla_Fixed_Tiles - Tiles containing tests taken from mobile devices with GPS-quality location and a non-cellular connection type (e.g. WiFi, ethernet).The layers are set to draw at scales 1:3,000,000 and larger.Time Period and Update FrequencyLayers are generated based on a quarter year of data (three months) and files will be updated and added on a quarterly basis. A year=2020/quarter=1, the first quarter of the year 2020, would include all data generated on or after 2020-01-01 and before 2020-04-01.Data is subject to be reaggregated regularly in order to honor Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR) as is applicable in certain jurisdictions under laws including but not limited to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD). Therefore, data accessed at different times may result in variation in the total number of tests, tiles, and resulting performance metrics.

This data is used for a broadband mapping initiative conducted by the Washington State Broadband Office. This dataset provides global fixed broadband and mobile (cellular) network performance metrics in zoom level 16 web mercator tiles (approximately 610.8 meters by 610.8 meters at the equator). Data is projected in EPSG:4326. Download speed, upload speed, and latency are collected via the Speedtest by Ookla applications for Android and iOS and averaged for each tile. Measurements are filtered to results containing GPS-quality location accuracy. The data was processed and published to ArcGIS Living Atlas by Esri.AboutSpeedtest data is used today by commercial fixed and mobile network operators around the world to inform network buildout, improve global Internet quality, and increase Internet accessibility. Government regulators such as the United States Federal Communications Commission and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission use Speedtest data to hold telecommunications entities accountable and direct funds for rural and urban connectivity development. Ookla licenses data to NGOs and educational institutions to fulfill its mission: to help make the internet better, faster and more accessible for everyone. Ookla hopes to further this mission by distributing the data to make it easier for individuals and organizations to use it for the purposes of bridging the social and economic gaps between those with and without modern Internet access.DataHundreds of millions of Speedtests are taken on the Ookla platform each month. In order to create a manageable dataset, we aggregate raw data into tiles. The size of a data tile is defined as a function of "zoom level" (or "z"). At z=0, the size of a tile is the size of the whole world. At z=1, the tile is split in half vertically and horizontally, creating 4 tiles that cover the globe. This tile-splitting continues as zoom level increases, causing tiles to become exponentially smaller as we zoom into a given region. By this definition, tile sizes are actually some fraction of the width/height of Earth according to Web Mercator projection (EPSG:3857). As such, tile size varies slightly depending on latitude, but tile sizes can be estimated in meters.For the purposes of these layers, a zoom level of 16 (z=16) is used for the tiling. This equates to a tile that is approximately 610.8 meters by 610.8 meters at the equator (18 arcsecond blocks). The geometry of each tile is represented in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) in the tile field.The data can be found at: https://github.com/teamookla/ookla-open-dataUpdate CadenceThe tile aggregates start in Q1 2019 and go through the most recent quarter. They will be updated shortly after the conclusion of the quarter.Esri ProcessingThis layer is a best available aggregation of the original Ookla dataset. This means that for each tile that data is available, the most recent data is used. So for instance, if data is available for a tile for Q2 2019 and for Q4 2020, the Q4 2020 data is awarded to the tile. The default visualization for the layer is the "broadband index". The broadband index is a bivariate index based on both the average download speed and the average upload speed. For Mobile, the score is indexed to a standard of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. A tile with average Speedtest results of 25/3 Mbps is awarded 100 points. Tiles with average speeds above 25/3 are shown in green, tiles with average speeds below this are shown in fuchsia. For Fixed, the score is indexed to a standard of 100 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. A tile with average Speedtest results of 100/20 Mbps is awarded 100 points. Tiles with average speeds above 100/20 are shown in green, tiles with average speeds below this are shown in fuchsia.Tile AttributesEach tile contains the following adjoining attributes:The year and the quarter that the tests were performed.The average download speed of all tests performed in the tile, represented in megabits per second.The average upload speed of all tests performed in the tile, represented in megabits per second.The average latency of all tests performed in the tile, represented in millisecondsThe number of tests taken in the tile.The number of unique devices contributing tests in the tile.The quadkey representing the tile.QuadkeysQuadkeys can act as a unique identifier for the tile. This can be useful for joining data spatially from multiple periods (quarters), creating coarser spatial aggregations without using geospatial functions, spatial indexing, partitioning, and an alternative for storing and deriving the tile geometry.LayersThere are two layers:Ookla_Mobile_Tiles - Tiles containing tests taken from mobile devices with GPS-quality location and a cellular connection type (e.g. 4G LTE, 5G NR).Ookla_Fixed_Tiles - Tiles containing tests taken from mobile devices with GPS-quality location and a non-cellular connection type (e.g. WiFi, ethernet).The layers are set to draw at scales 1:3,000,000 and larger.Time Period and update Frequency Layers are generated based on a quarter year of data (three months) and files will be updated and added on a quarterly basis. A /year=2020/quarter=1/ period, the first quarter of the year 2020, would include all data generated on or after 2020-01-01 and before 2020-04-01.

The statistic shows the average speed of cellular networks in the United States from 2016 to 2023. In 2017, the average cellular network speed reached 12.65 megabits per second. The speed is forecast to grow to 27.06 megabits per second by 2023.

This dataset contains measures of broadband internet availability, speed, and adoption per United States census tract in 2014 through 2020. The data is derived from internet service providers’ Form 477 reports to the Federal Communications Commission. Key variables include the average upload and download speed of fixed broadband connections, the number of internet service providers, and the number of actual connections per 1000 households.

A curated version of this data is available through ICPSR at http://dx.doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38567.v1">http://dx.doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38567.v1

This dataset contains measures of broadband internet access and usage per United States ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) in 2014 through 2018. The data is derived primarily from internet service providers’ Form 477 reports to the Federal Communications Commission. Key variables include the average upload and download speed of fixed broadband connections, the number of internet service providers, and the number of households with broadband.

Within the Asia Pacific region, South Korea had the highest average IPv4 internet connection speed at **** megabits per second (Mbps). Considering this, it comes as no surprise that South Korea also had the highest internet penetration rate and the highest 4G download speed  across Asia. This was due to governmental efforts to facilitate the expansion and improvement of internet. 

Current state of internet in Asia 

Although Singapore had the third-fastest average IPv4 connection speed as of 2017, in 2018, it nonetheless had the fastest internet overall with a mean download speed of ***** Mbps, surpassing larger countries such as the U.S. and Germany.  Although India and the Philippines had the lowest average internet connection speeds, its year-on-year growth was higher than the leading countries with respectively **% and **%. In the Philippines, the government carried out a National Broadband Plan (NBP) to increase nationwide internet access. Similarly, the Indian government had also proposed a national broadband network to connect all cities and villages. 

Internet connection speed explained 

Megabits per second (Mbps) refer to the speed with which information can be downloaded or uploaded from and to the internet. For the Federal Communications Commission, a sufficient broadband internet connection requires a minimum of ** Mbps for downloads and * Mbps for uploads. In the world of internet, connection speeds above ** Mbps enable swift web surfing, HD content streaming as well as fast downloads. 

The statistic presents the average download speed of broadband internet in Latin American countries from July 2023 to June 2024 measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). In that period of time, Uruguay presented the highest broadband internet speed in Latin America, with an average download speed of over *** Mbps.

As of Fall 2024, T-Mobile US had by far the fastest average 5G download speed among major United States (U.S.) network operators at 238.3 Mbps. It also offered the best typical overall download speed at 158.5 Mbps. 5G networks offer faster download speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability than previous generations. T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint has enabled it to challenge AT&T and Verizon T-Mobile US, which is majority owned by the German telecommunications firm Deutsche Telekom, has made significant investments in its attempts to challenge the dominance of AT&T and Verizon. This has included its 26 billion U.S. dollar merger with Sprint in 2020, which dramatically increased its subscriber share and placed it to challenge its rivals in the 5G space over the coming years. In addition to delivering the fastest 5G download speeds, the operator has also offered the best coverage among U.S. network operators.

This is a MD iMAP hosted service layer. Find more information at http://imap.maryland.gov. This layer contains the average upload speed (mbps) per County. Last Updated: Feature Service Layer Link: https://mdgeodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/UtilityTelecom/MD_BroadbandSpeedTest/MapServer ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS: The Spatial Data and the information therein (collectively "the Data") is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind either expressed implied or statutory. The user assumes the entire risk as to quality and performance of the Data. No guarantee of accuracy is granted nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the State of Maryland be liable for direct indirect incidental consequential or special damages of any kind. The State of Maryland does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the Data or as a result to changes to the Data nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the Data in any manner or form. The Data can be freely distributed as long as the metadata entry is not modified or deleted. Any data derived from the Data must acknowledge the State of Maryland in the metadata.

As of Spring 2025, T-Mobile US had by far the fastest average 5G download speed among major U.S. network operators at ***** Mbps. It also offered the best typical overall download speed at ***** Mbps. 5G networks offer faster download speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability than previous generations. T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint has enabled it to challenge AT&T and Verizon T-Mobile US, which is majority owned by the German telecommunications firm Deutsche Telekom, has made significant investments in its attempts to challenge the dominance of AT&T and Verizon. This has included its 26 billion U.S. dollar merger with Sprint in 2020, which dramatically increased its subscriber share and placed it to challenge its rivals in the 5G space over the coming years. In addition to delivering the fastest 5G download speeds, the operator has also offered the best coverage among U.S. network operators.

As of August 2024, COMTECO and Tigo provided the fastest content streaming possibility for Netflix users in Bolivia, with an average speed of *** Megabits per second (Mbps). The second-fastest Internet service providers (ISPs) were AXS and Digital TV, with an average of *** Mbps. There were over nine million internet users in Bolivia in January 2024.

Internet access in the United States varies greatly based on where you live. This map illustrates the state of high speed Internet access across the US. Darker colors indicate areas with less access to high speed Internet, while lighter areas indicate areas of high access.You can click any feature in the map for more information about Internet access and basic demographics. Zoom in to see ZIP Code data.Greater Access to High Speed InternetLower Access to High Speed InternetThis map uses index values from Esri's Market Potential data. An index value of 100 represents the national average for access to high speed Internet. A value of 110 indicates an area is 10% more likely than the national average to have access to high speed Internet.