Fiber access grew in the last half of 2025, but 5G growth slowed: Analysis

"Fiber internet providers grew their footprints at a rate of 8.4% in the last half of 2025, up from a rate of 6.9% compared to the previous reporting period. The growth meant that an additional 5.2 million addresses now have access to fiber internet services, according to a new analysis of federal data by CostQuest Associates."

"Nearly three million more homes and businesses got access to licensed fixed wireless in that period, but the growth in fixed wireless slowed compared to the first half of the year. That growth occurred in 47 states and territories. Cable internet access remained relatively stable, and DSL access was essentially flat."

"The number of unserved locations decreased by 8.4%, while the number of underserved locations decreased by 7.8%. However, 12.3% of counties in the study reported an increase in unserved locations. That figure included only counties that did not have an increase in the total number of serviceable addresses."

Fiber internet providers achieved 8.4% growth in the second half of 2025, significantly outpacing the previous period's 6.9% rate and adding 5.2 million addresses to fiber coverage. At least 182 counties now have fiber internet access to over 99% of broadband serviceable locations. Fixed wireless access expanded to nearly 3 million additional homes and businesses across 47 states, though growth slowed compared to the first half of the year. Cable internet remained stable while DSL stayed flat. Overall, served locations increased to 10.2 million, unserved locations decreased 8.4%, and underserved locations decreased 7.8%. However, 12.3% of counties reported increased unserved locations despite overall improvements.

Read at Telecompetitor