Rural Americans are seeing the highest increase in broadband penetration across the country, according to a new study released by comScore. In the past two years, rural markets have experienced a 16% increase in broadband penetration. That’s higher than both their metropolitan and micropolitan counterparts.

What does this all mean? It means that more Americans are now experiencing the life-enhancing benefits of broadband. People in rural communities now have greater access to quality, specialized health care, distance-learning opportunities and more economic opportunities.

The report attributes the growth to both consumer demand and expanding consumer choice. Entry-level broadband prices that rival dial-up services, the report finds, are encouraging more rural Americans to make the high-speed switch.

The good news comes on the heels of the latest Pew American and Internet Life Project findings documenting a more than 20% surge in rural American broadband adoption in the past year. Now add in the comScore penetration data and we have compelling evidence that we are making important progress in building a truly broadband nation.

There is still important work to do—both reaching remaining unserved areas and encouraging more Americans to reap the many benefits of broadband. But as we continue to discuss the elements of a national broadband strategy, it’s good to know that we are building on a strong foundation—and making progress where it is needed most.

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