May 19, 2026
At a time when Americans are feeling pressure from rising household costs, there’s an important – and often overlooked – bright spot: broadband internet.
Today, USTelecom is releasing our latest Broadband Pricing Index (BPI), and the data tell a clear story: broadband internet service continues to deliver more value for less money.
In 2025, real prices for the most popular broadband internet services fell 6.0%, even as speeds kept climbing. Over the longer term, the trend is even more striking: prices for the services most Americans use today are down 43.6% since 2014, while average download speeds have increased 145%.
Through booms and busts, innovation from broadband leaders ensured stable, sustained progress while lowering prices.
A Bright Spot for American Households
While consumers are looking carefully at their household bills, broadband internet stands apart. In fact, just 2% of likely voters say internet service is a top household cost concern – lower than any other category measured.
Across the board, consumers are experiencing faster speeds, better performance, and falling prices.
And the favorable pricing trend is strongest for those who need them most. Entry-level plans – often chosen by more price-sensitive households – saw the largest price declines, dropping 17.2% in real terms in just one year.
But consumers are also taking advantage of the increasing value at higher speeds. More consumers are upgrading to gigabit offerings as prices continue to fall, with one in three households now subscribing to these faster speeds.
What’s Driving These Gains
This progress didn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of intense competition and sustained private investment in broadband internet networks, with providers investing tens of billions of dollars annually in infrastructure.
That investment is delivering exactly what policymakers and consumers want:
- Lower prices
- Faster, more capable networks
- Expanding access to high-speed service
In short, the market is working.
But Progress Isn’t Guaranteed
The same report that highlights this success also points to an important reality: policy decisions will determine whether this momentum continues.
To keep broadband internet affordable – and extend its benefits to every community – we need to remove barriers that slow deployment and drive costs up.
First, modernize outdated rules.
In too many states, providers are still required to maintain legacy copper networks even as consumers have access to faster, more reliable fiber and next-generation services.
The good news is policymakers are beginning to recognize this reality. More than 20 states have untethered their citizens from old copper technology, and the FCC’s March order, adopted unanimously, accelerates copper retirement and reflects a broader shift toward modern, high-speed networks.
Every dollar spent maintaining outdated infrastructure is a dollar not invested in modern networks – especially in rural communities that need them most.
Second, fix permitting delays.
Outdated and fragmented permitting processes slow construction, increase costs, and delay deployment to the very communities policymakers are trying to reach.
More than 30 broadband permitting reform bills have been introduced in Congress over the past few years, reflecting the growing frustration with the local, state, and federal red tape that embattles providers trying to connect more communities to fast, reliable broadband internet. It’s long past time sensible permitting reform became law.
A Clear Path Forward
The takeaway from this year’s Broadband Pricing Index is simple – broadband internet is more affordable than ever. And smart policy can continue that progress.
By modernizing outdated regulations, streamlining permitting, and supporting continued private investment, we can ensure that Americans continue to benefit from faster speeds, lower costs, and expanded access to the networks that power our economy and daily lives.
This is a rare policy opportunity where the goals are aligned across the board: lower costs, better service, and stronger connectivity for every community.
Let’s build on what’s working.