The average download Internet speed in the United States between 2007 and 2009 increased by only 1.6 megabits per second (mbps), from 3.5 mbps in 2007 to 5.1 mbps in 2009, according to a new report by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Broadband Growth Fastest In Rural Areas
Over the past two years broadband has experienced the most significant growth in rural areas, according to a new study from comScore.
Rural markets (defined as having a population less than 10,000) in the U.S. saw a 16-percentage point increase in broadband penetration from Q2 2007 to Q2 2009, making it the fastest growing geographic market segment in the nation. In comparison micropolitan areas (population between 10,000-50,000) grew 14 percentage points during the same time, while metropolitan areas (population 50,000+) grew 11 percentage points.
Missouri Asks For $142M In Stimulus For Broadband Access
Missouri is applying for $142 million in federal stimulus money to help expand the reach of broadband Internet access to rural areas in the state.
The initiative would expand broadband accessibility to 91.5 percent of the total population, a significant increase from the current projected accessibility of 79.7 percent.
Broadband Speeds Increase Worldwide
The United States and China were the two largest attack traffic sources, accounting for nearly 50 percent of total traffic, according to Akamai’s first quarter State of the Internet report.
The top 10 portals saw about 90 percent of the attack traffic, with more than two-thirds of the traffic likely related to the Conficker worm.
America’s Not Really Tops In Broadband
Americans are more economically productive with broadband than any other country, according to new research. But that doesn’t mean the US in number one in broadband.
Likely major ISPs and backbone providers will gleefully point to Saul Hansell’s New York Times blog—and his headline: Surprise: America is No. 1 in Broadband—in rebuttal to criticism of how they’ve built out their networks.
Broadband Connected Homes To Reach 74 Million
About 5.7 million U.S. households will become new high-speed Internet customers this year, a 12 percent decrease in subscriber growth compared to 2008, according to a new forecast by market research firm Pike & Fischer.
Martin Changes Tune On Broadband Smut-Filter
In his final days as chairman of the FCC, Kevin Martin appears to have done an about face on a proposed content filter for free wireless broadband. After opposition killed the original plan, Martin has placed a new proposal, sans smut-filter, on the table for review at the next and final FCC meeting on January 15. Perhaps it’s an attempt to end his tenure on a high note by doing something very positive for the nation—auctioning off spectrum to a wireless provider that can serve up wireless broadband to 95 percent of the country.
IBM Agrees To Help Build Broadband Network Over Power Lines
IBM has partnered with International Broadband Electric Communications (IBEC) on a $9.6 million agreement to have Big Blue install Broadband over Power Line (BPL) networks at electric cooperatives through out the eastern U.S.The concept of broadband over power lines has widely been thought of as a dead end idea but with IBM’s backing it is now being resurrected.
White Spaces Officially Cleared For Wireless Broadband
A big story flew somewhat under the radar yesterday as the Election was at the forefront of minds not only all across the America, but around the world. The FCC has approved the use of the unused airwaves between broadcast TV channels, otherwise known as "white spaces" for public wireless broadband service.
Broadband Users See Service As A Must
High speed Internet customers like their service but 30 percent are willing to ditch their provider if they can find a more affordable service elsewhere, according to a report from J.D. Power & Associates.Cost savings is cited by 69 percent of high-speed Internet customers and 40 percent of dial-up customers as the main reason they would consider switching providers.