The Digital Opportunity Index: A New Benchmark for Internet Service Providers Committed to Closing the Digital Divide

Access to affordable, high-quality Internet is a prerequisite for participation in modern life. Yet tens of millions of U.S. households remain offline—particularly in rural, low-income, and Tribal areas. Vernonburg Group created the Digital Opportunity Index to address a critical need: an objective, data-driven tool to evaluate how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are advancing broadband availability and adoption.

Unlike traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks—which often apply generic criteria across sectors—the Digital Opportunity Index focuses specifically on how ISPs expand infrastructure and enable meaningful use of broadband services. It’s the first benchmark designed to reflect the core business activities that support broadband connectivity.

What the Index Measures

In this inaugural release, 15 publicly traded U.S. ISPs were evaluated using a transparent framework based on five key indicators (with 14 sub-indicators):

• Broadband availability in rural, Tribal, and low-income areas

• Affordability and quality of the most accessible service plan

• Digital skills resources offered to consumers

• Outreach efforts, including accessibility and local partnerships

• Support for affordable devices

ISPs were scored on an AAA to CCC scale. Three companies received an AAA score, four earned AA, and others ranged from A to BBB. None received the lowest rating. The Index highlights leading practices while identifying areas for continued progress.

Why It Matters

High-speed internet is central to economic mobility, workforce development, education, healthcare access, and civic participation. However, ISPs’ efforts to expand access and drive adoption are not well captured by current ESG benchmarks.

As ESG investing continues to influence capital markets and corporate behavior, it’s essential that measurement tools reflect the real-world impact of companies. The Digital Opportunity Index addresses this gap with a focused, credible framework aligned with the operational priorities of ISPs.

Who Should Use the Index

The Index is built to inform and guide action by key stakeholders:

• ISPs can use their score to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate leadership in expanding broadband services.

• Investors can incorporate the Index into due diligence, portfolio evaluation, and shareholder engagement to align with long-term business performance.

• ESG ratings agencies and analysts can use the Index as a sector-specific supplement to better capture ISP contributions to digital connectivity.

• Regulators and policymakers can leverage the Index to inform funding, partnerships, and accountability efforts related to broadband infrastructure and service delivery.

Recognizing Top Performers

Three ISPs received the highest AAA score. No ISP received a perfect numerical score. The full publication outlines how these companies have demonstrated strong commitments to expanding broadband access and adoption, along with practical steps others can take to improve.

Top-Ranked Companies

·       Xfinity

·       Verizon

·       AT&T

·       Optimum

·       Sparklight

·       Spectrum

Read the Report and Take Action

The Digital Opportunity Index is more than a benchmark—it’s a tool to guide investment, policy, and operational decisions that expand broadband access and help close the digital divide. Whether you're a provider, investor, regulator, or analyst, this Index provides the insight needed to move from intention to impact.

Download the report here.

To discuss the Index and how it may be useful to your organization, contact Vernonburg Group.