Cable Industry Delivers Big $568 Billion Boost to U.S. Economy

The cable industry continues to be a cornerstone of America's economy, fueling both innovation and opportunity. A new report commissioned by NCTA and conducted by Chmura Economics & Analytics highlights the sector's sweeping impact on jobs, infrastructure, and communities nationwide.

In 2024 alone, the U.S. cable industry generated $568.7 billion in total economic output and supported 1.3 million jobs across the country.

Broadband: Connectivity and Investment

Cable broadband providers are powering much of America's digital infrastructure: In 2024, they:

• Generated $366 billion in total economic impact
• Supported nearly 888,000 jobs nationwide
• Delivered connectivity for 59% of all fixed internet connections, serving 80 million subscribers

The industry also invested $25.1 billion last year in network expansion, scalable infrastructure, customer equipment, and support systems. Those dollars ripple outward-supporting tens of thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs while strengthening the networks that keep communities connected.

Programming: Entertainment with Economic Impact

Behind every channel and show is a programming sector that fuels jobs, investment, and innovation. In 2024, cable programmers:

• Generated $196 billion in economic impact
• Supported more than 351,000 jobs
• Delivered high-quality, award-winning television that entertains and informs millions of households

State-Level Impact

The cable industry's benefits reach every corner of the country, with particularly large impacts in several states:

• California - $117.4 billion total impact, 209,000 jobs
• New York - $91.8 billion total impact, 165,000 jobs
• Texas - $45.8 billion total impact, 116,000 jobs
• Florida - $43.7 billion total impact, 116,000 jobs

And while the numbers vary, every state-from the largest to the smallest-sees meaningful contributions from broadband infrastructure and programming. For an interactive look at the data, including a state-by-state map of investments, visit NCTA's Economic Impact page.

For a closer look at the industry's economic role across the nation, states, and congressional districts, explore the full "Investing in America 2024 - The Cable Industry's Economic Impact on People, Infrastructure & Programming" report.