A new broadband study from QR Code Generator, based on the FCC’s National Broadband Map (from December 2022 to June 2025), shows the United States quietly crossing a major milestone. As of mid-2025, roughly 61% of U.S. homes now have access to gigabit-class internet, compared to 32.7% in late 2022, per the study. With that kind of infrastructure, it has big implications for the next phase of cord cutting. Americans aren’t just leaving cable TV behind, but they’re leaving traditional cable internet behind, too.
Key Takeaways From the Study
- U.S. overall gigabit access: ~61.0% of residential units had access to gigabit fiber or cable by June 2025 (up from 32.7% in Dec 2022).
- Big winners (top states): North Dakota leads at 91.4%, followed by Nevada (86.4%) and Connecticut (86.1%). Several interior states (Utah, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Kansas) also saw massive gains.
- Big gaps remain: Alaska (11.2%), New Mexico (29.0%), and Montana (29.7%) are among the worst served — a reminder that national averages mask large regional differences.
- Top metros: Salt Lake City (95.6%), Cincinnati (95.3%), and Hartford (91.7%) top the metro list with gigabit access. Major metros like Los Angeles (41.9%) and New York (68.1%) lag relative to smaller metros despite big investment.
The study shows that gigabit is no longer a luxury tier; it’s becoming the default. As more Americans get faster, ubiquitous gigabit access, it’s making switching away from cable-bundled internet easier and more appealing. With more reliable internet becoming widely available, more people feel confident cutting ties with cable providers.
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, offered insights on the findings: “The data shows remarkable progress in bringing high-speed internet to Americans across the country, but significant gaps remain. High-speed internet access can affect everything from remote work opportunities to educational outcomes and healthcare access. The areas with the highest gigabit coverage are better positioned for digital innovation and economic growth in our increasingly connected world.”
“What was surprising to see was that Rhode Island ranks among the worst states for gigabit cable or fiber coverage. Unlike other low-placing states, Rhode Island doesn’t face geographic challenges like a population spread across a wide area or difficult terrain like in Alaska or Montana. It also borders Connecticut, which is America’s third best-connected state,” Porcar said.
Cord Cutting 2.0: Why Internet Switching Is the Next Frontier
Cord Cutting 1.0 was all about escaping cable TV. Streaming services exploded, DVRs moved to the cloud, and people realized they didn’t have to pay triple-digit bills for channels they never watched. But Cord Cutting 2.0? That’s about escaping the internet side of the cable bundle.
More Americans are discovering that they don’t need Comcast, Spectrum, or Cox to power streaming, work-from-home workloads, multi-device households, gaming, or cloud backups. Fiber and 5G home internet alternatives are not only cheaper, but they’re easier to manage, easier to install, and don’t require the old-school retention-call gauntlet.
QRFY’s new gigabit data shows the infrastructure is finally catching up with demand, and cutting both cable TV and cable internet is possible for the majority of U.S. households.
Ready to Upgrade? Here Are Today’s Best Internet Alternatives
Cord cutters who want to take advantage of improved gigabit access and escape cable-company internet altogether have a few options worth trying.
T-Mobile Home Internet — easy eligibility + improved hardware
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is attractive for many cord cutters because it’s simple to sign up (eligibility check is the first step), and pricing is straightforward. Recently, T-Mobile upgraded plans and hardware with the addition of Wi-Fi 7 support and other bundle perks at no extra cost in some markets. The enhanced service makes T-Mobile Home Internet a great deal for households with lots of devices, and you can get up to $300 cash back, a month for free, up to a 10-year price lock, among other savings.
Verizon Home Internet — 5G, Fiber, + light, budget-friendly options
Verizon Home Internet has plans for any household, including an affordable Lite plan. America’s largest wireless provider offers a 5G plan, which is positioned as a plug-and-play alternative to cable. Like other providers, Verizon offers a price lock guarantee, no hidden fees or equipment charges, and a range of perks, including up to 40% off on top streaming services. Verizon acquired Starry earlier this year with plans of expanding its 5G Home Internet in 2026. If you value a large nationwide brand, clear switching steps, and a well-documented onboarding experience, Verizon is a solid choice to consider.
Mint Mobile (MINternet) — A New Low-Cost 5G Option
Mint’s new MINTernet offering targets users who want very low-cost 5G home internet with simple plans and intro discounts. It’s best for light-to-medium households that want cheap 5G as an alternative to more expensive fiber tiers. When paired with a Mint Mobile plan, you get even bigger savings, which makes it a strong option for small to medium households looking to keep costs down without sacrificing reliable streaming performance. With Mint Mobile’s 5G Home Internet, you can choose to pay up front for 3, 6, or 12 months. Check Mint’s coverage in your area before switching, and pair your home internet and save 50% on the Mint Unlimited plan.
Gigabit Internet Has Arrived
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make a switch, this is one of the best times in years to compare your options, upgrade your speeds, and finally break away from legacy cable providers.
Always check gigabit availability in your ZIP, then check the latest offers from T-Mobile, Verizon, Mint, and others to compare real costs. Astound recently launched $40/mo. for life on 1 Gig WiFi with a free router and $200 gift card. The long-awaited Amazon home internet service is on the way with gig speeds.
As more customers say goodbye to traditional providers, the competition continues to heat up and the next era of internet access is finally in reach.
Credit: QRFY