Broadband speeds were up last year, but speed grew at a significantly slower pace than previously in the decade, according to a broadband speed data report from HighSpeedInternet.com.
“Internet speed gains fell by approximately 58% in 2024, the weakest results we’ve seen since we began our performance tracking,” the report said.
A look at the numbers suggests how much the increase decelerated. Last year, broadband speeds averaged 214 Mbps. That was 19% faster than the average in 2023, which was 196 Mbps. Tracking back another year, the 2023 figure was 37% faster than 2022, when the average was 158 Mbps. That average was 29% faster than the 129 Mbps of 2021. And, finally, the 2021 figure was 26% faster than 2020’s average of 104 Mbps.
The author of the post, Austin Aguirre, provided context. “It’s important to note that a decrease in improvement doesn’t necessarily mean ISPs are doing anything wrong or worse than before,” he wrote about the broadband speed data.
“We may just be seeing an adjustment in the internet needs of the average household. Customers could by simply choosing cheaper and slower internet plans as the country drifts further away from the pressures of the pandemic, such as remote work.”
The broadband speed data report also asked how important speed was to consumers. Almost half (49%) responded that it is very important. Another 34% percent said it was important, 14% were “indifferent,” and 3% said it was unimportant or very unimportant.
The broadband speed data showed Brightspeed was the fastest provider, with average speeds of 290 Mbps. It was followed by GFiber (279 Mbps), Verizon (253 Mbps), Xfinity (246 Mbps), and Cox (242 Mbps). The report also showed that Google Fiber — which uses the GFiber brand name — has extended its speed advantage over cable competitors Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
Recently, the “2024 Broadband/Internet Availability Survey Report” from NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association found that approximately 89% of rural respondents’ customers on average have access to speeds of 100 Mbps or greater. This compares to 84% in 2023.
