Fiber, Fixed Wireless Connections Rose in 2023: FCC Marketplace Report

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission found fiber and fixed wireless broadband connections increased in 2023, while DSL fell and cable remained steady.

The agency released its biannual report on the communications marketplace on Dec. 31, 2024. The 314-page document took stock of the fixed, mobile, and satellite broadband markets, plus telephone, video, and radio broadcaster services. The two Republican commissioners dissented, arguing again for viewing the markets for fixed and mobile broadband as converged rather than distinct.

For the 12-month period ended Dec. 31, 2023, the FCC found fiber connections increased by 3.6 million to a total of 28 million, while fixed wireless connections increased by 2.3 million, hitting 6.8 million in total. DSL dropped by 3.1 million to 10.6 million, while cable lost just over a million connections for a total of 73.4 million.