Broadband services across most of the U.S. have grown so much over the past six years that 96 percent of population has at least one choice for high-speed access. In fact, more than 80 percent can chose from at least two, says a new report.

“This report highlights the success of broadband providers in bringing innovation to communities across the United States and upgrading speeds and availability to keep Americans at the forefront of the internet revolution,” said USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter about the report, which is based on FCC data.

“We need to build on these successes by encouraging the FCC and Congress to embrace investment-friendly policies that will allow for future network growth.”

The report cites investments by Internet Service Providers as helping drive the growth:

“Ongoing, widespread deployment of competitive broadband networks is the result of substantial capital investment in a dynamic, evolving market. Wireline, wireless, and cable providers invest more than $75 billion annually and have spent more than $1.5 trillion over two decades to build competitive networks.”

Even as arguments continue about so-called “net neutrality,” since 2010 the percentage of Americans with the opportunity of signing on for high-speed Internet has risen to 96 percent, the report shows.

Some 84 percent can chose from at least two providers.

The report “U.S. Broadband Availability Mid 2016” is based on data compiled through June of 2016.

The FCC defines high-speed access as being at least 25 megabits per second in urban areas and 10 mbps in rural areas.

The availability of high-speed access has grown rapidly from 49 percent in 2010.

Faster speed access – 100 mbps or more – has surged to 76 percent from 10 percent, the report adds.

Gaps do remain in rural areas “because of challenging economics or where there is only one provider and either demand, industry technology trends, or subsidies are not driving sufficient upgrades,” USTelecom, a business trade group, noted.

Read more at:

https://www.ustelecom.org/sites/default/files/BB%20Availability%202016%201H%20RB%20Final%207.pdf