Tag: Digital divide

According to the Fiber Broadband Association, fiber internet passed 56.5% of U.S. households in 2024, demonstrating its rapid expansion across the country. What is fiber in America, and why has this technology become the gold standard for high-speed internet? This advanced form of broadband utilizes light to transmit data, offering superior speed, reliability, and bandwidth compared to traditional connections.

According to a 2025 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, less than half of U.S. households have access to fiber optic connections. Despite its superior speed and reliability, this premium internet technology is not universally available, prompting many to ask: why is fiber not available everywhere?

According to the FCC, less than half the United States population is wired for a fiber internet connection, despite its superior speed and reliability. So, why is fiber so hard to get for so many people, and what are the major obstacles preventing its widespread deployment?