Speed Matters released its second
annual state-by-state Internet speed report, and the results show the
still has a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world.
The report found the average U.S. Internet speed was 2.3 megabits per second
(mbps), representing a minimal gain of 0.4 mbps over last year's average speed.
At this rate, it will take us more than a hundred years to catch up to
where average speeds are estimated at 63 mbps.
But as CWA President Larry Cohen said, Americans can't wait that long
"This isn't about how fast someone can download a full-length movie.
Speed matters to our economy and our ability to remain competitive in a global
marketplace. Rural development, telemedicine and distance learning all rely on
truly high-speed, universal networks."
The new report is based on data from nearly 230,000 Internet users who took
the Speed Matters
Speed Test -- almost three times the number of tests taken for last
year's inaugural state-by-state report. The fastest states were
Island
and
slowest speeds were in rural states
This shows the need for policies that help boost high speed Internet
access in all parts of the
and particularly in remote and lightly populated areas.