The fourth annual NECTA Innovation Index, released Thursday, reveals that 2,001 New England broadband and cable consumers report broad satisfaction with both the cost and quality of their online services. Notably, nearly 60% are satisfied with broadband affordability, up 3 percentage points from last year, while more than half are satisfied with the affordability of cable and video services, a six-point increase.
NECTA notes that this trend aligns with national CPI data showing internet service costs have edged down slightly over the past year, even as electricity and homeowners insurance rise for many households.
Respondents also gave high marks for performance: overall broadband satisfaction exceeded 90%, and 86% said it is easy to access fast, reliable home internet, up four percentage points.
Expanded access at a lower cost was highlighted by NECTA: “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 also captures shifts in viewing habits: cord-cutting slowed this year, and 83% of respondents said one-stop-shopping for video services is very or somewhat important, especially among ages 18–29. Streaming remains widespread, with 87% subscribing to services such as Peacock, Disney+ or Hulu, and NFL football identified as the region’s most streamed sport.
Use of artificial intelligence tools is 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 over the last three years say AI poses a security threat. The margin of error for the survey is ±2.2 percentage points, and the research was conducted Oct. 16–29, 2025 among 2,001 New England voters who are broadband or cable consumers. NECTA notes that staff edits this report and AI tools helped generate it.
