The results of this third annual Speed Matters survey of Internet speeds show that the U.S. has not made significant improvement in the speeds at which residents connect to the Internet. The average download speed for the nation was 5.1 megabits per second (mbps) and the average upload speed was 1.1 mbps.
Speed Matters Publications
2009 Report on Internet Speeds in All 50 States
Speed Matters: Benefits of Broadband
The "Benefits of Broadband" document is a compilation of fact sheets detailing the benefits of affordable, high-speed Internet for all Americans.
State Broadband Initiatives
The Communications Workers of America and the Alliance for Public Technology compiled a survey of state broadband initiatives in seven key areas: broadband commissions, task forces, and authorities; public-private partnerships; direct funding programs; state networks; telehealth initiatives; tax policies; and demand-side programs.
Online Learning for Low Skill Adults
The "Online Learning for Low Skill Adults" report released by the Rutgers University Center for Women and Work and the Communications Workers of America's Speed Matters project documents the ways that innovative use of information technology—personal computers and high speed broadband—can be cost-effective in helping working adults expand their skills and move beyond entry-level jobs.
Broadband Initatives: Enhancing Lives and Transforming Communities
This report documents specific examples of communities using high speed broadband to tackle local problems and maximize available resources. Some of the highlights include students in Iowa who use broadband technology to share live interactive learning with their peers in Singapore; expectant mothers in rural Arkansas who receive advanced prenatal care from specialists in Little Rock over high-speed networks; and first responders in our nation’s capital who have instantaneous access over wireless broadband to an unprecedented amount of critical information so they can protect us better.
Speed Matters: CWA Policy Paper
Speed Matters: Affordable High Speed Internet for All provides working definitions of open internet and high speed broadband. The Policy Paper also gives examples that illustrate why each are necessary; identifies some of the consequences resulting from our failure to enact a national policy for universal internet access and the importance of such a policy for jobs and quality services; and gives examples of other countries that have successfully implemented national policies. The paper includes a list of specific policy recommendations.
Speed Matters Brochure
A short summary of why we need high-speed Internet policies for economic growth, jobs, telemedicine, education, e-government, and public safety; how we have fallen to 16th in the world with a serious digital divide; and policies to get us there including public/private partnerships, preserve an open internet, investment incentives, and demand creation. It includes the 5 Speed Matters principles.
Comments of CWA to FCC on National Broadband Plan
CWA submitted comments on the definitions of broadband and benchmarks to be used by the FCC in the National Broadband Plan.
Rural Communities Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with Connected Nation that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations of using high speed Internet to allow rural communities to participate in economic and civic life far beyond their geographic region.
Libraries Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the American Library Association that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to improve libraries.
Public Safety Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to improve public safety.
K-12 Education Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to foster K-12 Education.
Health Care Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the American Telemedicine Association that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to improve health care.
Energy and Environment Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the Sierra Club, Progressive States Network and Blue Green Alliance that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to conserve energy and the environment.
Enabling People With Disabilities Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with American Association of People with Disabilities that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for for using high speed Internet to enable people with disabilities.
Economic Growth & Quality Jobs Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to foster economic growth and create quality jobs.
E-Government & Civic Participation Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for for using high speed Internet to improve e-government and increase civic participation.
Distance Learning Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the Rutgers Center for Women and Work and Educause that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet for distance learning.
Digital Literacy Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with One Economy that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for using high speed Internet to increase digital literacy.
Digital Divide Fact Sheet
A one-page fact sheet produced with the Alliance for Digital Equality that explains the current challenges, benefits of and recommendations for bridging the digital divide.
Defining Broadband (FCC Filing)
Communications Workers of America's reply comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Notice seeking comment on the definition of “broadband."
A National Broadband Plan for Our Future (FCC Fililng)
Communications Workers of America's comments in response to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comment on the development of a national broadband plan (09-51).
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
Comments submitted by the Communications Workers of America to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding spending priorities for the $7.2 billion broadband initiative in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. CWA believes that the top priority of NTIA’s Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP) and the Rural Utilities Service broadband grant and loan program should be to invest in broadband projects that create and preserve good jobs, while jumpstarting the economy and promoting long-term U.S. competitiveness.
Development of National Broadband Data (FCC Filing)
Communications Workers of America's comments in response to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on how the Commission can continue to acquire the information it needs to develop and maintain appropriate broadband policies (07-38).
Broadband Mapping and Data Collection
Testimony of CWA President Larry Cohen before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
ConnectMyState Model Legislation
In cooperation with ConnectedNation, a nonprofit group aimed at expanding high-speed Internet access and other community-based technology improvements, CWA has developed model legislation for state-level Internet policies.
