Internet & Broadband
Americans pay 2-3x more for internet that's often slower.
In Romania, you get gigabit fiber for $10/month.
The Price of Getting Online
In Europe, broadband competition is mandated by law, keeping prices low and speeds high. In America, local monopolies let ISPs charge whatever they want — for service that often lags behind.
Average Broadband Cost ($/month)
Competition vs Monopoly
The real difference isn't technology — it's policy. The EU requires incumbent telecoms to share infrastructure with competitors, creating real market competition. In the US, most Americans have only 1-2 broadband options, letting ISPs charge monopoly prices for mediocre service.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Fair Context
The US leads in 5G deployment speed, hosts the world's largest internet companies, and offers some of the fastest peak connection speeds.
European Standouts
Romania
Gigabit fiber for ~$10/month — the fastest and cheapest broadband in the EU. A digital success story built on early fiber investment.
Netherlands
85% fiber coverage with affordable pricing. One of the most connected countries in the world with strong consumer protections.
Sweden
Municipal broadband networks deliver fast, cheap internet. Public investment in infrastructure keeps prices low and speeds high.
Estonia
Digital society pioneer and e-government leader. Nearly everything — voting, taxes, prescriptions — can be done online.
The Digital Divide
- 24 million Americans lack broadband access entirely
- Rural Americans pay more for slower speeds — the digital divide is geographic
- US ranks #8 globally in broadband speeds despite being home to Big Tech
- Data caps and hidden fees add $20-30/mo to advertised prices