Internet Speeds: USA vs. The Rest of the World 2026

The United States is climbing the global ranking for internet speeds. Still, many of its communities have been left behind—only having access to internet service that doesn’t even meet broadband standards.

Do you live in one of these communities? If you do, you might also be feeling left out as the rest of the USA gets faster internet speeds.

How is this possible, and what can we do about it?

USA’s Internet Speed Compared to Other Countries

In 2013, the United States had an average download speed of 31 Mbps and was ranked 25th globally in average broadband internet speed.

Since then, the USA has made strides in internet service.

Speedtest.net reported that the USA’s median download internet speed as of February 2026 was 308.11 Mbps – the 8th fastest median internet speed in the world.

Likewise, median upload speed for the US was 55.83 Mbps with a latency of 13 ms.

How does the USA stack up to the rest of the world?

Top Ten Countries with Fastest Median Internet Speed

Data from Speedtest Global Index.

Global Internet Speeds 2026

Global median internet speeds have also risen dramatically. Since February 2025, the worldwide median download speed jumped from 101.00 Mbps to 118.76 Mbps. That’s an over 17% increase in one year alone!

2026 Global Median Internet Speeds

Global Median Download Speeds – 118.76 Mbps

Global Median Upload Speeds – 59.02 Mbps

Global Median Latency – 9 ms

Much of the improvement the US has seen in internet speeds was due to fiber-optic infrastructure being installed throughout the country—especially in larger cities. In 2022, 43% of Americans have had access to fiber internet, says a study by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA).

How does your internet measure up? Test your internet speed to see how it stacks up against the rest of the world.

If you’re disappointed with your download and upload speeds, there’s a chance you share the same problem as many other people throughout the US. Thankfully, the technology behind fiber optic cable is enabling more Americans to have faster, more reliable internet.

Speed Inequality in the USA

While the United States’ nationwide median and average internet connection speeds have improved, many communities still don’t have access to those faster speeds.

In 2024, the FCC raised its broadband standard to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds — and by that new benchmark, 24 million Americans still lack adequate access.

Closing the Gap

It’s no surprise that we can attribute the United States’ faster internet speeds to an increase in fiber optic connections. However, fiber internet has much room to grow in the United States, especially compared to fiber adoption rates around the world.

Fiber internet has a lot to offer, including the fastest internet speeds available.

That’s why Ezee Fiber’s mission is to bring that same fast, reliable, and future-proof connection to our communities.

We are bridging the digital divide by bringing communities 100% fiber-to-the-home internet that offers speed and unmatched reliability, honest customer service, and lifetime pricing without term contracts or extra fees.

Enter your address and information to get fiber-fast optic internet with Ezee Fiber!