Internet junkies and most gadget freaks have a border line addiction when it comes to being connected. Naturally, in the age we live in with quickness and efficiency being constantly rammed into our heads, we want whatever it is we’re searching for on the digital frontier to arrive on our computers fast…instantly even. While we all know that the U.S. is sorely lacking when it comes to broadband speeds compared on a global level, with our friends across the big blue pond enjoying the upper double digits routinely, who gets to claim bragging rights here in the states? As you can see from the list pictured, the digital playland, California, isn’t number one as many would assume. Instead, the land silicon comes in at a rather low 11th place nationwide. Instead a cluster of smaller north eastern states such as Delaware, Rhode Island, New York, and Massachusetts make up the top four.
It’s worth noting that the national average comes in right around 5 Mbps costing Americans on average of $35-$50. The big picture really comes in to focus when expanding to figure in global broadband speeds. Our average of 5 Mbps is only 1/4 of South Korea’s of whom the inhabitants enjoy an average of 20 Mbps speeds. (Boy do I wish I had that connection). Remember, these are average speeds as S.K. has access to much faster speeds, far into the triple digits even. Even more disheartening is that those high double digit and triple digit broadband speeds are often more affordable than our options. Heck, a 50+ Mbps FiOS connection from Verizon can easily set you past $100. The same speeds in other parts of the world such as S.K. come in far below that $100 price point.
I wish I could attain the average, here in northern Indiana my “fast” DSL connection doesn’t even come close to hitting 1/4 of the marketed 6 Mbps advertised speed. As we all know, advertised “maximum” speeds and real world speeds are practically night and day…don’t even get me started. Another topic for another day. Speaking of local speeds, how do you fare? Comment below with some insight on your type of service and speed. If possible, go ahead and toss in your monthly cost for that connection/speed. Enlighten us.
Source: LA Times,
