The Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) twentieth annual report tracking the impact of the internet quantified how broadband has “fundamentally changed daily life, work, health, and economic opportunity.”
The reports were created in association with RVA LLC Market Research. The latest edition, titled “Encapsulating the Profound Impact of the Internet on American Life,” found that 80% of adults find high quality internet very important to their household and rate it as one of the most important amenities.
“Over 20 years of research confirms that reliable broadband has become as vital as electricity or water in American homes,” Deborah Kish, FBA’s Vice President of Research and Workforce Development, said in a press release about the fiber report.
“The internet has become the foundation of modern life, enabling work, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Fiber networks are the backbone enabling these experiences and ensuring our future is connected and equitable.”
Highlights from the fiber report:
- 55% of employed adults say they can work from home, with 26% working remotely at least 10 days a month.
- 21% of U.S. adults operate home-based businesses. They contribute an average of $19,000 annually and most often are members of young, diverse, and low-income groups.
- 42% have used video telehealth and report high satisfaction, particularly among younger and urban populations.
- Download speeds have grown more than 500% during the past decade, surpassing 200 Mbps. Upload speeds have increased by more than 1500% and are moving steadily towards symmetry with downloads.
- Since 2018, household data usage has surged 187% for downloads and 258% for uploads. The increase is being driven by richer applications and greater demand for real-time connectivity.
Despite the advances noted by the report, it’s fair to say that fiber is facing new challenges. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) program has shifted from a fiber-first to more technology-neutral approach and fixed-wireless access (FWA) has made great gains in market share. However, in July, FBA CEO Gary Bolton told Telecompetitor that he believes private capital expenditure (CapEx) investments are keeping the fiber industry healthy.
That confidence didn’t stop the FBA, along with ACA Connects and NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, from sending a letter to NTIA Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson urging continued prioritization as it reviewed states’ plans for the BEAD rural broadband funding program.
