Fiber Networks Exceed 10 Gbps, Sub-5ms Latency in US Testing

The deployment of fiber networks capable of 10 Gbps speeds and sub-5ms latency sets a new benchmark for internet performance in the US, directly impacting the delivery of streaming video. This advancement enables higher-quality 4K and future-proof streaming formats, reducing buffering and enhancing user experience and engagement. As fiber infrastructure expands, content providers and streaming platforms will need to optimize delivery pipelines to capitalize on these network capabilities, while competitors using older infrastructure will face increased pressure to upgrade. Watch for continued fiber deployment in urban and suburban areas and its effect on competitive internet service offerings and streaming service partnerships.

US fiber broadband coverage has reached 60% of served locations, a 10-percentage-point gain in 18 months, outpacing other broadband technologies (CostQuest, March 2026). This expansion is driven by ILEC copper-to-fiber upgrades, cable FTTP deployment, and federal funding. AT&T leads fiber broadband coverage, serving 15.5% of all fiber Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) nationwide, while Cox, Charter, Xfinity, and Optimum collectively serve over 6 million fiber locations (CostQuest, March 2026). Total U.S. households serviceable by fiber reached 60% as of January 2026, with 16% having multiple providers, despite rising labor costs and inflation impacting deployment (Fiber Broadband Association, January 2026). Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is available to 57% of US addresses, up from 37% in 2024, representing approximately 25 million additional addresses with fiber access in two years (InternetProviders.ai, March 2026). Louisiana, Virginia, and North Carolina show the fastest fiber growth year-over-year. The BEAD program is poised to expand rural fiber broadband coverage significantly, with 29.5% of all rural fiber locations federally funded as of March 2026 (CostQuest, March 2026). The first BEAD-funded connections are expected online in late 2026 (InternetProviders.ai, March 2026).