A new study by TRG Datacenters compiled the top 10 cities in the US with the worst broadband connectivity. For the study, seven factors were examined to create a comprehensive connectivity index: download speeds, broadband access, number of ISPs, and average monthly internet costs.
The study analyzed 58 cities and their monthly searches for issues, internet complaints by state, and an overall composite score. By combining all factors, the study was able to use an index score out of 100 to form the basis for city rankings.
Providence, Rhode Island had the worst composite score due to its 14 available ISPs, which was the lowest on the list, and $75 average monthly internet price mostly due to the lack of competition. The lack of ISP competition and the infrastructure in the state also affect service quality, according to the study.
A spokesperson from TRG Datacenters commented on the study: “Broadband quality depends on a balance of speed, reliability, and affordability—factors that don’t always correlate directly with the number of available providers. Even in regions with multiple service providers, a competitive market doesn’t always result in better service experiences. This trend suggests that alongside enhancing access, regulatory bodies and service providers need to prioritize both affordability and reliability in their service offerings to meet the needs of today’s internet-dependent population.”
Sacramento, CA led all cities with the most ISP complaints and multiple cities in California, including Oakland, and Long Beach had an average of $95 for monthly internet costs, which were among the highest in the country.
St. Louis, MO received a composite score of 97.20 due to its 29 ISPs, but its slow download speeds of 64 Mbps and high monthly search volume of 95,870 for internet issues.
You can see the top 10 cities with the worst broadband connectivity in the chart:
| City | Download Speed (Mbps) | Households with Access to Broadband | No. of (ISPs) Available | Average Monthly Price for IS | Average Monthly Searches for Issues | Composite Score |
| Providence | 228 | 95.20% | 14 | $75.00 | 4K | 98.00 |
| St. Louis | 64 | 97.40% | 29 | $72.80 | 95.8K | 97.20 |
| Cleveland | 263 | 98.60% | 34 | $79.99 | 47.4K | 95.40 |
| Oakland | 7,790 | 98.40% | 28 | $95.00 | 18.8K | 93.80 |
| Long Beach | 4,677 | 98.40% | 26 | $95.00 | 21.6K | 92.50 |
| Sacramento | 2,402 | 99.00% | 31 | $95.00 | 193.4K | 91.30 |
| San Francisco | 4,058 | 98.50% | 40 | $95.00 | 71.3K | 90.10 |
| San Jose | 3,209 | 99.20% | 43 | $95.00 | 68.1K | 89.40 |
| Fresno | 3,029 | 97.30% | 24 | $95.00 | 64.1K | 88.20 |
| Bakersfield | 2,027 | 98.40% | 22 | $95.00 | 19K | 87.50 |
This study coincides with the trend of broadband internet costs rising and subscribers switching to more affordable Cord Cutting 2.0 options. As internet cancellations rise, the FTC announced the “click to cancel” rule which makes it easier for subscribers to cancel their subscription services. However, industry groups representing cable, internet, home security companies, and others have filed a lawsuit to bring down the law.
With more consumers weighing their options, they are switching to services like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet over traditional ISPs. Verizon 5G Home Internet is offering new customers a price guarantee for up to 3 years and $0 due at sign-up. As for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, new subscribers can get $150 back via a Virtual Prepaid Mastercard.
Check out the full study at the TRG Datacenters website.