Reports
The survey of 2,001 regional broadband and cable consumers found nearly 60% are satisfied with broadband affordability.
Edited by Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
New England residents are reporting greater satisfaction with the cost and quality of their internet and video services, according to the fourth annual NECTA Innovation Index released Thursday.
The survey found nearly 60% are satisfied with broadband affordability, a three-point increase from last year, and more than half are satisfied with the affordability of cable and video services, a six-point jump. NECTA noted this tracks with national Consumer Price Index data showing internet service costs fell slightly over the past year while other household expenses such as electricity and homeowners insurance rose.
Respondents also gave high marks to performance: overall broadband satisfaction rates exceeded 90%, and 86% said it is easy to access fast, reliable home internet, up four percentage points.
Expanded access at a lower cost
“Families facing higher electricity and food prices…are seeing faster speeds, better service, tighter security, and expanded access at a lower cost overall,” said Tim Wilkerson, president of the New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association.
The survey indicates changes in viewing habits as well: cord-cutting slowed this year and 83% of those surveyed said “one-stop-shopping” for video services is very or somewhat important, a sentiment strongest among 18- to 29-year-olds. Streaming is widespread, NECTA reports 87% subscribe to services such as Peacock, Disney+ or Hulu, and NFL football is the region’s most streamed sport.
Use of artificial intelligence tools is also rising in New England, with 64% reporting they have used an AI chatbot, up 11 points from 2024.
At the same time, 74% of respondents across the last three years say AI poses a security threat. Concern about cyberattacks climbed 10 percentage points over the past year, though about two-thirds of respondents said they believe their broadband providers do a good job protecting against cyber threats, the survey found.
The mixed-methods survey was conducted Oct. 16–29, 2025, among 2,001 New England voters who are broadband or cable consumers and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points, according to NECTA’s release.
Our staff edited this report, which AI tools helped generate.
Get news like this in your inbox. Subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter!
