ASCE gives U.S. broadband infrastructure C+ rating
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its inaugural assessment of broadband as part of its “2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure,” giving it a C+ grade, which aligns with the nation's overall infrastructure rating of C.
Edward Barrett, President of the Broadband Business Unit at HR Green and advisor to the report, explained that ASCE has been assessing infrastructure conditions for 35 years, evaluating 18 categories based on eight specific criteria, including public safety, funding, and resilience. The latest report marks an improvement from previous years, attributed to $1.2 trillion worth of investments in infrastructure.
Barrett noted the complexity of assigning a national infrastructure grade, as some states report significantly lower broadband standards. Challenges in grading stem from the lack of accessible public data on broadband infrastructure compared to more visible areas like roads and bridges, given that broadband data is often proprietary.
He emphasized the importance of resilience in infrastructure, particularly as extreme weather events increasingly impact communities—citing 27 disasters in 2024 that resulted in extensive damages and loss of life. Barrett stressed the collaborative effort needed from both public and private sectors to enhance broadband infrastructure, expressing optimism for future grading improvements as investments continue.
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