Average Internet Speed By State

Internet speed is the velocity of data transfer between user devices and the global network. In a world where digital is the new normal, connectivity is at the heart of everything we do - from business and education to entertainment and remote social connections. Whether it's catching up over a video call, streaming your favorite show, gaming, or downloading heavy files for work, the speed of your internet connection makes a substantial difference. But how does internet speed fluctuate across the United States? This article delves into the data, presenting a comparative analysis of average internet speed by state - a key indicator of digital infrastructure and often, socioeconomic development.

Culled from multiple sources, the dataset lists U.S. states by average internet speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Each entry ranks the region, names the state, and provides the average internet speed for that region. 

Key findings from an initial analysis of the data include:

• States in the eastern part of the U.S., including Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware, top the list with the highest average internet speeds, above 110 Mbps. This dominance reflects the concentration of high-tech industries and advanced digital infrastructures in this region.
• Rural vs Urban: General trends seem to suggest that states with larger rural landscapes, like Montana, Idaho, and West Virginia tend to have slower internet speeds, often below 60 Mbps—a reflection of the digital divide between urban and rural communities. 
• Variation Across States: The data reveals wide disparities between U.S. states in terms of internet speed. For instance, Internet speed in Connecticut, the state with the highest average speed, is over three times faster than that in Alaska, the state with the lowest speed.
• The 100 Mbps Threshold: It appears a significant number of states – about 15% – have crossed the coveted 100 Mbps mark, indicative of high-speed broadband access. This threshold allows for high-definition (HD) streaming, efficient online gaming, and brisk data transfer.
• Speed and Economy: There may be a correlation between average internet speed and a state's economic health or focus. States with advanced economies like Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, California, and New York also rank high in terms of internet speed.

Connecticut has the fastest internet with an average internet speed of 119.13 Mbps. Florida trails close behind, boasting an average internet speed of 115.58 Mbps. Delaware and New Hampshire feature prominently in the top five list with average internet speeds of 114.37 Mbps and 113.63 Mbps, respectively.

Rounding out the list of the top five states is South Carolina with an average internet speed registering at 110.31 Mbps. Meanwhile, Massachusetts and Maryland deliver similarly robust average internet speeds of 109.6 Mbps and 107.63 Mbps, respectively, underlying their position as states with a healthy digital infrastructure and economic vitality.

Virginia, with an average internet speed of 97.95 Mbps, and Tennessee at 95.88 Mbps. Utah completes the list, offering an average internet speed of 95.56 Mbps.

States with Fastest Internet (Mbps):

1. Connecticut - 119.13 Mbps
2. Florida - 115.58 Mbps
3. Delaware - 114.37 Mbps
4. New Hampshire - 113.63 Mbps
5. South Carolina - 110.31 Mbps
6. Massachusetts - 109.6 Mbps
7. Maryland - 107.63 Mbps
8. Virginia - 97.95 Mbps
9. Tennessee - 95.88 Mbps
10. Utah - 95.56 Mbps

Alaska, despite its scenic beauty and natural wealth, unfortunately, holds the bottom position when it comes to average internet speed. With an average velocity of 35.51 Mbps.

Next in line is West Virginia, with an average internet speed of 45.87 Mbps, followed closely by Montana at 46.84 Mbps. These states, which also have vast rural landscapes, reflect the continuing digital divide between rural and urban communities. 

Idaho and New Mexico follow suit with average internet speeds measuring 51.15 Mbps and 59.13 Mbps, respectively.

Rounding off this list are Vermont, Wyoming, and Iowa – each posting average internet speeds of barely above 60 Mbps. While these speeds might be suitable for moderate usage like high-definition video streaming or casual gaming for a couple of users, they could potentially slow-down heavy data transfer activities or multiple simultaneous connections.

States with the Slowest Internet Speeds:

1. Alaska - 35.51 Mbps
2. West Virginia - 45.87 Mbps
3. Montana - 46.84 Mbps
4. Idaho - 51.15 Mbps
5. New Mexico - 59.13 Mbps
6. Vermont - 60.81 Mbps
7. Wyoming - 61.24 Mbps
8. Iowa - 62.12 Mbps