#United States #Louisville #Connected Nation #internet pricing

Internet Pricing Disparities in Louisville: A Need for Standardization

A recent study conducted by Connected Nation (CN) explores the variations in home internet costs across neighborhoods in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city. Released on February 23, 2026, the comprehensive report uncovers significant discrepancies in internet pricing that underline the necessity for standardized broadband pricing data across the country.

Background of the Study

This report follows the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate for all internet service providers (ISPs) to provide consumer-friendly broadband labels, effective April 10, 2024. Designed to enhance transparency in pricing and service details at the point of sale, this policy represents a critical step in ensuring informed consumer decisions. However, it insufficiently addresses the need for comprehensive pricing comparisons across neighborhoods, as stated by Colin Reilly, Vice President of Data Strategies at CN. Currently, there is no centralized database where consumers can easily access home internet prices, which would allow policymakers, advocates, and researchers to assess affordability based on geographical locations.

Key Research Questions

CN's research specifically targets two primary questions: 1. How much do home internet prices vary by neighborhood? 2. What neighborhood-level characteristics influence these pricing differences? To investigate these queries, CN analyzed detailed data from 6,300 residential addresses, collecting and compiling information on internet speeds and prices from two dominant ISPs serving the region.

Findings of the Study

The results reveal that wireline internet pricing significantly fluctuates between neighborhoods. For instance, the average costs of fiber internet from Provider 1 ranged from $0.09 to $0.18 per Mbps, whereas cable internet from Provider 2 exhibited prices between $0.15 and $0.22 per Mbps. Interestingly, one provider's fixed wireless internet rates remained constant regardless of the neighborhood, indicating a lack of competitive pricing.

Another critical finding identified a correlation between household income and internet pricing for one of the service providers. Provider 2 offered lower prices for neighborhoods with higher median incomes—this influenced pricing patterns and created a disparity where residents in lower-income areas ended up paying more per Mbps for their internet service due to the provider's targeted offer of a 50 Mbps plan at a reduced rate in such areas.

Despite this reduction in monthly bills, the increased cost per Mbps created challenges in achieving affordable access across different neighborhoods, highlighting an urgent need for solutions that bridge these gaps.

Analyzing the Impact of Neighborhood Characteristics

To better understand the factors contributing to pricing variations, CN employed statistical models to examine several neighborhood-level characteristics. Key variables included:

• - Population Density
• - Average Household Size
• - Percentage of Households in Multi-dwelling Units (MDUs)
• - Median Household Income

The analysis indicated that of the variables examined, only the median household income had a statistically significant relationship with pricing—again, this is primarily applicable to Provider 2. Overall, most factors seemed to have little to no influence on broadband pricing across Louisville.

Conclusion: The Need for Comprehensive Data

The findings of the Connected Nation study underscore the glaring need for standardized pricing information on broadband services. This transparency could empower consumers to make better-informed decisions and help advocates properly assess the accessibility and affordability of internet services across neighborhoods. Currently, federal pricing databases fall short in providing comprehensive insights into how internet costs fluctuate both within cities and from one city to another. As the demand for broadband access continues to rise, the call for standardized pricing becomes increasingly critical.

About Connected Nation

In 2026, Connected Nation celebrates its 25th anniversary, dedicated to enhancing lives through improved access and adoption of broadband technology. Advocating for expanded broadband access for all, CN continues to push for policy changes that support equitable digital services and technologies. For further details, please visit their website at connectednation.org.