This annual survey offers insights into how rural networks are evolving and highlights the challenges and successes of delivering broadband in less densely populated areas. Highlights include:

• In 2024, NTCA members continued to lead the charge in deploying networks that empower increasingly higher downstream and upstream speeds in rural communities. Despite operating in rural areas where the average density is less than seven locations per mile, approximately 89% of respondents’ customers on average can receive downstream speeds greater than or equal to 100 Mbps, up from 84% in 2023. Over 76% of customers on average have access to Gigabit downstream speeds, an increase from 67% in 2023. Upload speeds that are important for critical user applications like video conferencing, remote work and online learning continue to increase as well, with nearly 85% of respondents’ customers on average realizing upload speeds of 100 Mbps or higher and 68% of customers on average having access to Gigabit upstream capability, up from 61% in 2023. These improvements in customer experience are driven by continuing efforts to expand the reach of robust and reliable underlying networks.
• These investments are yielding benefits for American consumers and competitiveness – customers are eager to use higher speeds as they become available. Over 67% of respondents’ customers on average subscribe to 100 Mbps downstream broadband or better, up from just under 60% in the 2023 survey. And for the third consecutive year, the 2024 survey found that subscriptions for 100 Mbps and higher speed downstream services are more popular than lower-speed offerings.
• These network investments are efficient, delivering high levels of reliable capacity not only for residential users but anchor institutions and enterprises in these rural communities as well. The survey report indicates material progress – building upon already high levels of success – in connecting key institutions in rural America with fiber, including the vast majority of schools, public safety entities, 911 call centers, and hospitals in their serving areas.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit struck down the Federal Communications Commission's “net neutrality” rules governing internet service providers. The Federal Communications Commission had considered the reinstatement of net neutrality a major accomplishment under the Biden administration. The reversal is a glimpse of the years ahead, during which President-elect Donald Trump’s team has vowed to broadly undo his predecessor’s regulation of private-sector companies. The 6th Circuit said in its decision that internet service providers were not just dumb pipes, as the FCC has contended, and that, for that reason, internet service cannot be regulated as a mere utility service like power, water and traditional telephone lines. Advocates of net neutrality have long argued that such rules are necessary to keep internet service providers from abusing their power against consumers—for instance, by slowing down access to certain websites or types of content. Opponents say that there is limited evidence that internet service providers choose to discriminate against content this way, and that heavier oversight would weigh on innovation. Andrew Jay Schwartzman, senior counsel at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, said “This is bad for consumers, for businesses that rely on the internet, and for protecting broadband networks from intrusions by nation states.” 

Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chairman-Elect of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced the Committee’s Senior Staff members for the 119th Congress:

• Joel Miller will serve as the Chief Counsel, managing the policy and legislative strategy of the Committee and overseeing the subcommittees.
• Jessica Donlon will serve as the General Counsel.
• Chris Sarley will serve as Senior Advisor and Director of Member Services and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Matt VanHyfte will serve as Director of Communications.