NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today released its “2025 Broadband/Internet Availability Survey Report,” capping off a year in which NTCA members continued to make remarkable strides in delivering on the promise of robust and reliable high-speed connectivity in the most rural parts of the United States.
Survey highlights include:
- In 2025, NTCA members continued to lead the charge in deploying networks that empower increasingly higher downstream and upstream speeds in rural communities. Despite operating in deeply rural areas, nearly 92% of respondents’ customers on average can receive downstream speeds greater than or equal to 100 Mbps, up from 89% in 2024. Nearly 79% of customers on average have access to Gigabit downstream speeds, an increase from 76% in 2024. Upload speeds that are important for critical user applications like video conferencing, remote work and online learning continue to increase as well, with over 89% of respondents’ customers on average realizing upload speeds of 100 Mbps or higher and 73% of customers on average having access to Gigabit upstream capability.
- These investments are yielding benefits for rural Americans – customers are eager to use higher speeds as they become available. Over 75% of respondents’ customers on average subscribe to 100 Mbps downstream broadband or better, up from 67% in the 2024 survey and 48% just two years prior. And for the fourth consecutive year, the 2025 survey found that subscriptions for 100 Mbps and higher speed downstream services are more popular than lower-speed offerings.
- These network investments are efficient, delivering high levels of reliable capacity not only for residential users but anchor institutions and enterprises in these rural communities as well. Respondents continue to build upon their prior efforts to deploy and sustain advanced, robust and reliable networks to connect key institutions in rural America, including over 90% of schools, public safety entities, 911 call centers, libraries and hospitals in their serving areas. In short, these investments connect not only consumers but entire communities—and they will prove critical in empowering next-generation wireless services and innovative use of AI applications in rural America as well.
“NTCA’s community-based provider members continue to lead the charge in deploying and sustaining high-quality broadband in rural America,” said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. “This year’s Broadband/Internet Availability Survey confirms that these investments are delivering real results through faster speeds, greater reliability and increased adoption by rural consumers. As demand for affordable, high-quality connectivity continues to grow, and to stay ahead of ever-increasing data demands in our innovation economy, it is essential that policymakers adopt policies and provide the support needed to sustain and enhance these networks.”