The proliferation and improvement of fiber optics networks over the past 5 years has led to a drastic increase in broadband Internet speeds across the country, including right here in the Yellowhammer State.

According to Blue Fire Broadband, the average Internet download rate in Alabama in 2009 was 9.41 megabits per second (Mbps). This year the rate jumped to 25.96 Mbps, a massive, 268 percent speed increase in just five years.

But while the speed of broadband Internet is skyrocketing, the costs involved are plummeting.

In 2009, the average cost per Mbps in Alabama was $6.61. This year the price dropped to $3.74. That’s a 43 percent decrease over the past half decade.

But as drastic as Alabama’s Internet improvements have been — both in terms of speed and costs — over the past five years, the state still falls about middle of the pack or below nationally.

Alabama has the 28th fastest and 36th cheapest broadband Internet in the country.

The maps below show the improvements of every U.S. state.

SPEED INCREASE

PRICE DECREASE