Why U.S. Internet Service Is Awful

The rough math is conveniently simple: U.S. customers in major urban markets get approximately one tenth the speed and they pay ten times more for it, compared to major cities from Seoul and Tokyo to Bucharest and Paris. That’s according to a recent study cited in a New York Times article by reporter Claire Cain Miller. Why? In a word, monopoly, or more technically, in many local markets a duopoly. It’s a big handicap for the U.S. economy, as well as frustrated movie streamers. There are a few bright spots, though, and they come so to speak from opposite ends of the spectrum.