New Hampshire is named top state in the country for internet connectivity, according to Review.org’s
U.S. broadband assessment, with over 98.6 percent of households able to access the internet. Underscoring this achievement is the Department of Business and Economic Affairs Office of Broadband Initiatives, which had the foresight to spearhead bringing high-speed, reliable internet access to all New Hampshire homes and businesses more than two years ago.
“Broadband access is critical to the future of our state, from business to telehealth and beyond, and we’re proud to be first in the nation for internet connectivity,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte “We’ll keep working to get all of New Hampshire connected so we can remain the best state in the nation for economic opportunity.”
New Hampshire was one of the first states to receive approval for its broadband expansion program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, receiving $122 million.
“Achieving universal broadband coverage is critical for New Hampshire economic, educational, healthcare, and civic competitiveness,” said BEA Office of Broadband Initiative’s program manager Matthew Conserva. “This ranking reflects years of focused broadband investment, strong public-private partnerships, and a statewide commitment to ensuring every home and business can connect.”
The connectivity rankings are based on U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data released in 2024 compiled by Reviews.org, which measures the percentage of state households with any type of in-home internet connection, including broadband, dial-up, and satellite. The report also identifies New Hampshire as having one of the lowest poverty rates in the country at 8 percent and a strong rural population share at 37 percent.
Consolidated Communications (Fidium) and the New Hampshire Electric Co-op submitted winning bids for broadband ARPA funding. The state’s broadband mapping initiative helps pinpoint a total 9,387 un- and under-served New Hampshire addresses remain, one of the lowest totals in the nation. Recognizing that access is only part of the equation, BEA and partners continue to advance the
state’s Broadband Matching Grant Initiative and public-private efforts, supporting programs to ensure households can afford, adopt, and effectively use broadband.
“New Hampshire’s achievement as the most connected state in the nation is a milestone worth celebrating, and Fidium is proud to have helped lead the way,” said Sarah Davis, Fidium Vice President of Market Development. “Our fiber expansion to more than 300,000 homes and businesses is a reflection of our deep partnership with BEA and the state, as we share the commitment to delivering future-ready connectivity to every corner of New Hampshire. Together, we’re proving what’s possible when innovation, investment, and public-private collaboration come together to serve communities.”
With a goal of reaching 100 percent of homes and businesses with reliable high-speed internet access, the state is now accelerating efforts on the final stretch of coverage. Conserva said reliable broadband access is critical inside the home and essential for businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare, especially as we close the gap in more rural areas of the state
“This ranking illustrates the progress we’ve made and also shows what’s possible when communities, providers, and government work together,” he said.
About the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA)
The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the State of New Hampshire while promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors. BEA oversees programs in economic development, international commerce, outdoor recreation industry development, planning and community development, travel and tourism, visitor services, and workforce development. For more information, visit
www.nheconomy.com.