Internet Speeds Increased in 2010, But Still A Long Way To Go

The FCC released its biannual report this month, "Internet Access Services: Status as of December 31, 2010," examining Americans' access to the Internet by device, connections and geography. The result is a report of rapid growth a country that becomes further connected - but that still leaves out many Americans and lags far behind other advanced nations in the speed of our networks.

When it comes to basic connections, the growth in wireless Internet has been strong. "Reported residential mobile wireless service subscribers with mobile devices and data plans for full Internet access increased by 21%, to 63 million, during the second half of 2010." The number of wired home Internet connections stands at 77 million. One-third of American households still do not subscribe to broadband service.

When it comes to high-speed connections, the picture is also troubling. While "both fixed and mobile services are shifting to higher speeds," only 53 percent of wired locations, and just 13 percent of mobile users (smartphones, etc.) are above the benchmark of 3 mbps.

The connection speed numbers continue to be low overall for a highly developed country such as the U.S., with only six percent of the homes have fiber connections.

The United States still has a long way to go to catch up to other advanced economies in the speeds of our Internet connections and the rate of broadband adoption.

FCC Internet Access Services: Status as of December 31, 2010 (Oct., 2011)