More consumers can now access residential internet access.
A Leichtman Research Group (LRG) report--Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2023--revealed that 92% of U.S. households get an Internet service at home, compared to 83% in 2018 and 76% in 2008.
The Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2023 study is based on a survey of 1,767 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.
The research firm said that broadband accounts for 98% of households with an Internet service at home, and 90% of all households get a broadband Internet service – an increase from 81% in 2018 and 57% in 2008.
“The percentage of households getting an Internet service at home, including high-speed broadband, reached an all-time high over the past year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group. “This year’s study found that 92% of households get an Internet service at home, an increase from 85% in pre-pandemic 2019.”
Customer satisfaction grows
While trends will vary, LRG found that more residential customers are happy with their broadband service.
LRG found that 70% of broadband subscribers agree (8-10) that their Internet service meets the needs of their household, while 5% disagree (1-3).
Speed and quality satisfaction also rose in 2023, with 64% of broadband subscribers rating the quality of the speed of their Internet connection 8-10 (with ten being excellent), higher than any year in the past decade, including 53% in 2018 and 58% in 2013. Only 3% rate speed 1-3 (with one being poor).
“Broadband subscribers are generally content with their services, with 60% reporting that they are very satisfied overall, and 70% agreeing that their Internet service meets the needs of their household.”
Broadband awareness
Broadband awareness over broadband choice and speeds also gained momentum over the past year.
According to LRG, 42% of broadband subscribers do not know the download speed of their service – down from 59% in 2018. Likewise, 22% of broadband subscribers report that their provider is the only one available in their area – compared to 27% in 2021.
Device adoption also rose during the period. LRG found that 87% of households use at least one laptop or desktop computer, and 96% get an Internet service at home.
However, those households that do not use a laptop or desktop computer at home account for 64% of all who do not get an Internet service at home.
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.