The Top 10 States With Fastest Internet Speed
The United States not only gave birth to the internet as we know it today, but it is also the country where the biggest technology companies were founded. Yet despite being recognized as one of the most technologically advanced nations worldwide, the United States suffers from very slow internet speeds. Shockingly, countries such as Lesotho, Belarus, and Slovenia, have faster upload speeds than the U.S., which ranks 42nd in this category on a global level.
The sluggish broadband connection available to Americans stems from three issues. First, the lack of investment in infrastructure on behalf of providers means that not everyone has access to high speed broadband connections (faster than 10 Mbps), thus reducing the average internet speed nationwide. Second, the higher price charged by internet providers in the U.S., means less people can afford a faster broadband service. Finally, service providers claim the reason for the poor state of the internet in the U.S. is the vast size of the country.
Overall, it seems clear that the companies responsible for providing a speedy internet connection are the ones at fault, and this should comes as no surprise. The lack of competition amongst internet providers within the U.S. has often been cited as the main reason for the lack of investments in infrastructure, and the higher prices charged to users. Wouldn’t it be great if the below also fell among the Wealthiest States in America ?
Much like broadband connection speeds vary from country to country, they also fluctuate quite a bit within the U.S itself. Thanks to a report provided by Akamai Technologies, we were able to take a closer look at the top 10 states with the fastest internet speed.
10. Connecticut
Connecticut has an average connection speed of 11.7 Mbps, making it the state with the slowest internet amongst the top 10. However, with 47% of the state enjoying high broadband connections (>10 Mbps), small improvements could help the lightly populated state improve its position.
9. Michigan
Michigan experienced the largest increase in average connection speed amongst the top 10, allowing it to reach 11.8 Mbps. This was largely achieved by improving its high broadband adoption by 101% in 2013, thus doubling the amount of users enjoying speeds above the 10 Mbps mark.
8. Utah
Barely breaking the 12 Mbps mark and ranking eighth amongst the top 10 states with the fastest internet connection, is Utah. The average internet connection speed was improved by a meager 17% in 2013, meaning it might soon lose its spot to Michigan.
7. New Hampshire
Despite being the only state amongst the top 10 whose internet connection speed improved by less than 10% in 2013, New Hampshire still offers users 12.3 Mbps on average. In addition, New Hampshire’s 52% high broadband connectivity adoption rate is the third highest in the U.S.
6. Washington
Although rural areas rarely enjoy the best internet connection, the small town of Ephrata in Washington, actually boasts the fastest internet speed in the U.S. On average, the state has a 12.5 Mbps connection speed, following a 29% increase in 2013.
5. District of Columbia
Considering it is the nation’s capital, it is hardly surprising to see Washington D.C. amongst the top 5. With an average broadband connection speed of 12.8 Mbps, following an 18% improvement since 2013, the White House can be quite satisfied with its download/upload speeds.
4. Rhode Island
After 35% increase in internet speed throughout 2013, the small state now boasts a 12.9 Mbps average, allowing it to rank higher than the capital of the U.S. Ranking first amongst states with the high broadband connectivity, Rhode Island has more than enough reason to be proud.
3. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is not only home to Harvard University, but also the state with the third fastest internet connection in the U.S., with an average speed of 13.1 Mbps. High broadband connectivity reaches 54% of the state, just 1% shy of the top ranking Rhode Island.
2. Delaware
With an average broadband speed of 13.1 Delaware is the runner-up, despite being technically tied with Massachusetts. The slightly higher change in connectivity speed in the first quarter of 2014 has given Delaware the upper hand for now.
1. Virginia
Virginia is by far the state with the fastest internet, boasting an average connection speed of 13.7 Mbps and a 30% increase year-over-year. It was also the only state to see average speeds drop in the first quarter of 2014, suffering a 4.3% decline in connectivity. Nevertheless, Virginia has ample wiggle room and should remain number 1 throughout the year.
