Iowans’ pay some of highest prices in US for access to internet

Internet access has only grown in necessity since the pandemic first sent many workers home and brought more school activities online.

Compared to other states, Iowans pay some of the highest prices for access to the internet, according to a study by High Speed Internet. Just over 92% of Iowa households have a computer, according to 2020 Census data. Roughly 86% of Iowa households have a broadband internet subscription.

States like Hawaii and South Carolina nearly pay half of what Iowans do for internet access. So how much are Iowans paying to be online?

What is broadband?

Broadband describes high-speed internet access, according to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. It’s the highest quality internet service and allows videoconferencing and telehealth, which require high-speed data transmission. This makes it vital for rural health care providers, according to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

What is considered a fast internet service?

Fast or “advanced” internet speed is considered 25 Mbps and higher, according to the Federal Communications Commission. That rate can serve four users or devices at a time. The more devices online the slower it will run. The average U.S. household pays $74.17 for varying speeds of internet service every month.

How much do Iowans pay for internet access?

Iowa was ranked eighth for having the most expensive internet in 2024. On average, Iowans pay $75.86 for 62.12 median download speeds. That translates to $1.22 per Mbps.

Meanwhile, the ten states with the cheapest internet pay anywhere from 61

cents to 72 cents per Mpbs.

Why do Iowans pay more for internet access?

The High Speed Internet study found that those who live in rural areas tend to pay more for slower internet speed than urban areas. Since the pandemic, state and federal funding has been offered to close that gap. In 2023, Iowa received over $150 million in federal grants to improve reliable internet connection in the state.

What states pay the most for internet?

• Alaska: $2.92 per Mbps averaging $103.73 a month for 36 Mbps.

• Montana - $2.63 per Mbps averaging $123.37 a month for 47 Mbps.

• West Virginia: $1.88 per Mbps averaging $86.17 a month for 46 Mbps.

What states pay the least for the fastest internet?

• Connecticut: 61 cents per Mbps averaging $72.47 a month for 119 Mbps.

• North Dakota: 64 cents per Mbps averaging $56.42 a month for 89 Mbps.

• South Carolina: 67 cents per Mbps average $74.17 a month for 110 Mbps.