Broadband Competition: Analyzing the Broadband Provider Landscape

By Megan Corriveau – Manager, Strategy & Analytics

Expanding broadband access to unserved areas across the U.S. has been a major priority in recent years. These gains in coverage have not only brought high-speed internet to more households but have also fueled a more competitive and diverse broadband market. Investments in new technologies and high-capacity networks now give many consumers the ability to choose from multiple internet service providers.

State of Competition in the Broadband Market

Rising competitive pressures in the broadband market are delivering benefits for both consumers and the industry as a whole. Providers are investing in new technologies, expanding high-capacity networks, and improving service quality to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. For consumers, that translates into faster speeds, more reliable connections, and lower prices. Most importantly, this competition is expanding the number of viable internet options available – giving Americans more choice than ever in who they partner with for broadband service.

As of the end of 2024, broadband (speeds of at least 100/20Mbps) competition looked like:

  • 93% of US households have access to 1+ fixed providers (Cable, Fiber, Licensed Fixed Wireless)
  • 65% of US households have access to 2+ fixed providers
  • 30% have access to 3+ fixed providers

When we add in other types of technology – like Unlicensed Fixed Wireless and Satellite – the rate of consumers with multiple internet options increases even more. Since 2024 yearend, 97% of US households now have access to 1+ providers of any technology (including Unlicensed FWA and Satellite), 94% have access to 2+ providers, and of 69% have access to 3+ providers.

As reflected in the charts above, consumers are at an all-time high when it comes to choice – with nearly 2/3 of households having access to at least two fixed providers. Expanding beyond terrestrial options, nearly all consumers have access to 2+ technologies of any kind.

Broadband Availability: A Patchwork of Competitive Technologies

The rapid emergence and expansion of new broadband technologies has been one of the biggest drivers of increased competition in a market once dominated by incumbent cable and telephone companies.

Looking at competitive presence by technology, we see a rapidly changing landscape in recent years:

  • Fiber deployments are expanding rapidly, with incumbents and overbuilders upgrading or building networks – now serving more than half of U.S. households.
  • Fixed wireless access (FWA) coverage has surged, led by T-Mobile and Verizon leveraging their 5G network rollouts for home internet.
  • Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, primarily via SpaceX’s Starlink, reportedly blankets the U.S., though its ability to deliver consistent, high-speed service at scale remains unproven. Performance reports indicate speeds can drop below broadband levels when the network is congested.
  • Cable access has stagnated as MSOs transition legacy coaxial infrastructure to fiber in select markets.

Growth Drivers: Infrastructure Investment and New Entrants

The rapid evolution of broadband technologies and the increase in consumer options have been enabled by sustained investment. Private capital expenditures (CAPEX) spending has reached 20-year highs in recent years, with record levels of $102 billion in 2022 and $95 billion in 2023. In particular, 2022 and 2023 saw records level of investment at $102B and $95B respectively.  From 2014 to 2023, private CAPEX investment grew at a CAGR of 2.2%, and is estimated to increase by about 3% annually through 2030, reflecting strong investor confidence amidst rising demand for broadband.

Technological advancements have accelerated both broadband deployment and market competition. The nationwide rollout of 5G infrastructure has lowered barriers to deploying FWA, a trend capitalized on by major players like T-Mobile and Verizon, as well as smaller providers entering markets long dominated by legacy ISPs.

Fiber overbuilders are also gaining traction, entering competitive markets with high-capacity, reliable networks that challenge incumbent providers and give consumers more choice.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect by 2026

Looking ahead, broadband competition is expected to keep intensifying, supported by continued investment and innovation. Providers and investors remain bullish on markets supporting multiple options and will continue investing in deploying faster technologies to more consumers.

Several trends are likely to drive the next wave of competition:

  • Continued development of non-traditional technologies like LEO satellite, as Amazon’s Project Kuiper becomes operational (expected late 2025) and SpaceX’s Starlink continues to grow their fleet.
  • Smaller FWA providers expanding further into underserved markets and continuing to challenge incumbents in more competitive areas.
  • Ongoing fiber deployment by overbuilders, legacy ILECs and MSOs, and municipalities.
  • A gradual decline in cable footprints, as some MSOs continue to opt for fiber upgrades.

As a result, more Americans will have access to multiple broadband providers—increasing consumer choice and reshaping the competitive landscape in the years ahead.

Taking those factors into consideration, Cartesian predicts the following results by the end of 2026:

  • FWA coverage will reach 69% of US households
  • Fiber coverage will reach 59% of US households
  • Consumers with access to 2+ fixed providers will grow to 75%
  • Consumers with access to 3+ fixed providers will grow to 41%

Whether you’re planning to enter a new broadband market, defend your existing footprint, or develop a data-driven investment strategy, Cartesian can help you succeed in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.

Contact us today to learn how our expertise can support your goals.