Broadband Prices Steady Since 2015, BroadbandNow Says

Broadband service prices have largely escaped the ravages of inflation since 2015, hovering at around a nominal price of $90 a month, according to BroadbandNow. For example, since 2015, the average price of a cable connection has fallen 31% when adjusted for inflation, while the average cost of DSL has dropped 28% and the average cost of fiber-delivered service is down 39%. While nominal prices have remained largely steady, "there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to the ability to afford a robust broadband connection in America today," BroadbandNow said, noting the large percentage of low-income households without a home broadband subscription. The particularly rapid decline in fiber prices "is a promising sign of what might be to come, provided current broadband affordability initiatives are continued or expanded upon at the federal level." That includes new funding of or an alternate version of the affordable connectivity program, it said. The price of internet service rose 3.9% between July 2023 and last month, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer price index unadjusted data out Wednesday. Smartphone prices were down 8.2% year over year, while television set prices dropped 5.4%, it said. Computers, peripherals and smart home assistant prices fell 2.4%, while the cost of wireless phone service was down 0.8%, it said. The cost of residential phone service rose 4.4%, while cable, satellite and livestreaming TV service costs rose 1.6%. The cost of video purchase/subscription/rental increased 8.2%. Also rising were recorded music and music subscriptions, up 2.8%. BLS said July prices for all items rose 2.9% year over year before seasonal adjustment.