Using Ookla Speedtest Intelligence® data, this report identifies the states that are currently delivering the minimum standard for fixed and satellite broadband speeds as established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to the highest percentage of Speedtest users. It also singles out the states that need the most improvement when it comes to delivering the minimum standard for broadband to residents.
Here are a few of their top takeaways:
- Rural broadband access expanded across the U.S. in the first half of 2026. Nearly every state narrowed its digital divide, which is the gap in access to fast, reliable internet and modern digital technology between urban centers and rural or remote communities. When compared to the performance in the 2H of 2025, every state with the exception of California, Delaware, and Illinois, made progress. New Hampshire and Virginia led the nation in gains, with New Hampshire reducing its gap from 11.5 to 4.8 percentage points.
- Overall broadband expansion is slowing, particularly in top-performing states. For instance, top-ranked Connecticut saw its proportion of qualifying users creep up just over 1% from 73.4% in 2H 2025 to 74.7% in 1H 2026, while second-place New Jersey edged up from 72.8% to 73.5%.
Minnesota ranks 25 for access to fixed broadband at of 100/20 Mbps with the following:
- Broadband divide: 15.7 points
- Urban broadband: 76.3 percent
- Rural broadband: 60.6 percent
Minnesota ranks 5 for access to users achieving Starlink LEO broadband speeds of 100/20 Mbps with 55.0 percent.
