Emerging markets typically have cheap broadband, with Egypt having an average broadband cost of $7.91, placing it in the top 10 (6th). In other emerging markets, Vietnam is ranked 11th, Brazil 47th and Philippines 78th. North America has the second most expensive broadband, while Iran has the cheapest.
The study measured 2,631 broadband tariffs with final cost based on the average median cost of a broadband contract across 214 countries, ranked from cheapest to most expensive.
Out of 214 countries, the US is ranked a poor 167th with an average broadband cost of $80.00. This places it below other large western economies. But the bar was set low; France (63rd), United Kingdom (70th), Germany (105th), and Canada (130th).
While Iran appears to have the least expensive broadband at $2.61 a month, this is largely due to the collapse of the local currency against the US dollar. It’s also important to note that the study was completed before the escalation of conflict between Iran and the United States.
The remote South Pacific territory of Wallis and Futuna has the most expensive broadband, a monthly cost of $373.88. The lack of existing regional networks create significant geographical and logistical barriers to affordable infrastructure.
Looking at other economic power houses, China is ranked a lofty 16th, India an impressive 8th and Japan 76th.
At a subregional level, the cheapest broadband is found in Eastern Europe. Out of the top 10 countries for the cheapest broadband, 3 are from Eastern Europe. Ukraine (2nd), Romania (7th) and Russia (10th).
Polynesia is the most expensive subregion globally. On average, broadband costs $118.48 a month. Most nations in the region rank far outside the top 100. Including Samoa (128th), Tonga (172nd), American Samoa (174th), and French Polynesia (180th) and Wallis and Futuna (214th). Niue is the sole outlier, and is ranked 53rd.
Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie says: “Our Global Broadband Price League offers a snapshot of the fixed-line broadband market across the world of what people can sign up to today.
“The highest broadband costs are usually in remote countries. This includes places with tough terrain or island nations. These areas lack nearby states to help extend modern infrastructure.
“It’s important to note, many countries, especially in the Caribbean and Africa, mainly use mobile data to access the internet. Meaning, fixed-line broadband is not the main connectivity option for a large share of the population.
“By contrast, many countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Southern Asia, and South-Eastern Asia have low-cost broadband. This is often due to the widespread use of fibre.
“In Western economies such as the USA, Canada, and the UK, broadband prices are usually higher. This shows the overall cost of living is also higher there.”
