Gigabit Internet Availability Stats: Growth, Costs & Usage…


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Gigabit Internet is the fastest internet you can get your hands on in 2021. And since 2019, the availability and usage of Gigabit Internet has grown dramatically – here’s everything you need to know…


Remember when the internet used to be slow? It wasn’t so long ago, if you were born in the eighties or earlier, that downloading a simple image from a website took five to 10 minutes. Between 2000 and 2021, access to and the speed of the internet, in general, has grown by over 1000% – billions of people are now online 24/7, 365 days a year.

In the mobile arena, we have things like 5G which is now becoming more widely available in the US and UK, promising insane speeds across a range of mobile devices – from expensive flagship phones to cheaper budget Android phones. But that’s your phone. What about inside your home? Well, 5G broadband is a thing too.

But Gigabit Internet is quickly becoming the new standard for internet speed freaks.

If you’re a gamer or your stream a lot of 4K content in your home, or you simply have A LOT of people accessing your home network, your home internet can get bogged down, become slow, and suffer from lag and hang. This sucks. Especially if you’re trying to stream a new movie or play a game online. This, however, is where Gigabit Internet comes in.

What is Gigabit Internet?

With a Gigabit Internet connection, you are able to download 1000Mb of data per second – otherwise known as a GB. This means you will be able to stream things like 4K UHD streams without your connection even breaking a sweat. Ditto 4K gaming streams. Or, live streaming a game on Twitch with zero lag or hang. And the reason this is possible is that you have so much bandwidth.

Gigabit Internet brings an INSANE amount of bandwidth to your home network. With a Gigabit Internet connection, you can theoretically have over 100 devices connected to it, all streaming 4K UHD content, and it’ll run just fine. In terms of overall performance, compared to 100Mbps connections – the average in the US – Gigabit Internet is 10X more powerful. And if you’re a gamer or a streamer, this kind of bandwidth is very important indeed.

Is Gigabit Internet Available Near Me?

Back in 2016, just 5% of the USA had access to Gigabit Internet. By 2019, over 88% of the population in the USA had access to Gigabit Internet. That is a huge increase. Gigabit Internet is now widely available in over 40 states across the USA, both rural and residential areas, as well as cities and larger towns. And all this was made possible by over $300 billion in investment during the past 20 years.

Because of the spread and growth of faster and faster internet, as well the advancement of the infrastructure that delivers it, the average price per megabit has decreased by 98% since 2000 from $28.13 to just $0.64 cents. And this is key because how we use the internet has changed dramatically since the early-2000s. The rise of video content and video streaming platforms like Netflix, HULU, Amazon, and Disney has increased the required bandwidth per home by almost 1000%.

According to Bortz Media, almost 90% of US households now have access to high-speed internet, while 88% have access to Gigabit Internet which requires fiber to connect to your home. Why fiber? It is the fiber that makes Gigabit Internet possible, making the delivery of more data in a quicker time possible.

And with life increasingly moving online, thanks to global lockdowns, and more and more people working from home, the demand for high-speed internet has never been higher. If you work from home or create video content for online platforms, high-speed internet is quickly becoming an essential commodity, just like gas and electricity.

Why Gigabit Internet Is So Fast

The technology that makes Gigabit Internet possible is kind of mind-blowing. The investment that has been made in fiber networks across the USA by ISPs is impressive, to say the least. Billions of dollars have been piped into making Gigabit Internet a possibility for every household in America.

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Verizon’s FIOS was one of the first commercially available Gigabit Internet services to hit the market. I’ve included an overview from Verizon below where the carrier details what makes its Gigabit Internet network so fast.


Fiber internet is driven by data that’s transferred by light. Optical fiber cables, comprised of thin strands of glass or plastic, use pulses of light to carry data from one point to another. These fiber optic cables have a higher bandwidth capacity, are less susceptible to electrical interference, and can carry data longer distances than traditional copper cable.

Optical fiber internet is superfast compared to DSL, cable and wireless systems, and while the cable and phone companies’ networks may be partially fiber, Verizon’s Fios network is 100% fiber-optic. That means less bottlenecks, slowdowns, and interference like the kind you could experience using internet from the other guys.

Verizon

Gigabit Internet Access By State (America)

Here’s a handy table that details all the states in the USA that currently have access to Gigabit Internet. If you live in any one of these states, you can take advantage of Gigabit Internet and speed up your home internet dramatically. It will require an engineer to install it in your home, of course, but once that’s done you’ll have the fastest, commercially available internet connection on the market.

State Population Covered % Population Covered 
Alabama1,995,22440.6%
Alaska80,95410.8%
Arizona1,434,88720.9%
Arkansas876,10829.1%
California13,941,13936.1%
Colorado2,147,58740.3%
Connecticut383,45410.6%
Delaware532,97156.6%
District of Columbia466,80074.8%
Florida8,134,19140.9%
Georgia5,235,46251.0%
Hawaii831,04858.5%
Idaho484,50029.0%
Illinois2,781,24521.4%
Indiana2,633,60239.7%
Iowa1,452,81246.9%
Kansas1,257,91443.0%
Kentucky2,206,08649.4%
Louisiana1,894,33841.2%
Maine141,69610.5%
Maryland3,742,26562.7%
Massachusetts2,897,14843.6%
Michigan2,905,95329.5%
Minnesota2,013,93736.9%
Mississippi603,51320.0%
Missouri2,241,52636.5%
Montana210,38220.5%
Nebraska868,89846.3%
Nevada755,75425.7%
New Hampshire427,41331.9%
New Jersey6,133,30368.7%
New Mexico449,32720.8%
New York12,682,89964.8%
North Carolina4,219,93841.7%
North Dakota338,76248.9%
Ohio3,180,32827.4%
Oklahoma1,063,56527.4%
Oregon2,122,83953.1%
Pennsylvania5,883,99245.7%
Puerto Rico26,7860.7%
Rhode Island884,39384.2%
South Carolina1,756,83736.1%
South Dakota319,54638.0%
Tennessee3,347,08050.6%
Texas11,790,25543.7%
Utah1,675,97956.2%
Vermont154,78724.5%
Virginia4,340,68951.8%
Washington3,354,50047.4%
West Virginia89,9164.8%
Wisconsin1,366,09223.5%
Wyoming98,90416.7%

Best Gigabit Internet Plans & Deals


Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB