FCC report shows 96.9% of Americans have high-speed broadband access

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its annual Section 706 Report, stating that advanced telecommunications capabilities are being deployed to Americans in a “reasonable and timely fashion.” The report highlights that 96.9% of Americans now have access to fixed terrestrial broadband services at speeds of 100/20 Mbps.

Key findings indicate a significant reduction in the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the number of Americans lacking 100/20 Mbps access decreased by approximately 23%, while the reduction over a two-year period reached roughly 43%. In rural America, the percentage of those lacking such access fell by over 44% in two years. Additionally, 5G coverage has reached nearly 95% of homes and businesses.

While FCC Chairman Brendan Carr credited current administration policies for driving competition and lowering prices, the report also faced internal scrutiny. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez issued a concurrent statement questioning the focus on infrastructure presence alone, noting that nominal availability does not always equate to economic affordability or actual user performance.