Think broadband internet is pretty much universal in the US at this point? You might be surprised at how many households go without.
According to The NPD Group, 31 percent of US households lack a broadband connection offering a 25 Mbps download speed or greater. Most of those without access to broadband internet are living in rural markets, where single-digit Mbps speed may be the only option, the market research firm said.
Broadband penetration is lowest in North Dakota, where just 20 to 29 percent of households have access to it, followed by South Dakota, Mississippi, and Alabama, where it's reached only 30 to 39 percent of homes. On the other side of the spectrum, Washington state, California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have the highest rates of broadband penetration: More than 80 percent of households have access.
"The so-called digital divide, between those that can or cannot make the best use of the Internet, can be clearly felt in rural markets where the lack of broadband impacts everything from entertainment to the educational system," NPD Connected Intelligence President Eddie Hold said in a statement. "And even the state level data masks the underlying reality that in the most rural markets in America, less than 20 percent of households have a broadband connection."
Looking ahead, 5G will help the situation in rural areas, analysts say.
"The rollout of 5G will have a significant impact in rural America, disrupting the limited broadband carrier market and delivering broadband to many households that have not previously had access," Hold said.
To check your own internet speed, head here. Also be sure to check out our article on The Fastest ISPs of 2019.