Why Bandwidth Matters

The United States' position in the global economy is dependent on our commitment to improving our broadband infrastructure and increasing bandwidth.

Bandwidth matters because the speed of our Internet connection affects how well we compete in today's digitally-enabled and interconnected global economy.

Over the past decade, America has steadily fallen behind its developed peers in the speed and reach of its broadband Internet network. A recent global study ranked the United States twenty-third in broadband development, far behind leaders South Korea, Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Twenty-third may even be too rosy a projection — According to Speed Matters' numbers, the United States is twenty-eighth internationally.

For the sake of long-term economic growth, the United States must move to decisively regain its global bandwidth competitiveness.

The Communications Workers of America supports the FCC's National Broadband Plan and its blueprint to restore America's broadband competitiveness by ensuring universal high-speed Internet access and one-gigabyte capacity to anchor institutions across America.

Bandwidth: Why Fast Is Important in a Global Economy (Broadband Breakfast)

Study: US Continues to Trail Peers in Broadband Development (Speed Matters)

National Broadband Plan (FCC)