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. In 2025, 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. Today, Vernonburg Group is releasing the 1H2026 edition of the index.

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‍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.

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‍What the Index Measures

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‍In the 1H2026 edition of the index, 14 publicly traded U.S. ISPs were evaluated using a transparent framework based on five key indicators (with 15 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, local partnerships, and device donations to community organizations

• Support for affordable devices

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ISPs were scored on an AAA to CCC scale. Three companies received an AAA score, three earned AA, one earned A, six scored between BBB and B, one scored CCC. The Index highlights leading practices while identifying areas for continued progress.

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Why It Matters

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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.

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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.

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Who Should Use the Index

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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.

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Recognizing Top Performers

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Three ISPs received the highest AAA score. No ISP received a perfect numerical score. The ISP “leaders,” those ISPs scoring AAA or AA, remained the same between the 2025 and 1H2026 editions of the Index, with one exception. The score of one ISP increased to reach an AA grade, while the score of a previous leader decreased from AA to A. In 2025, no ISPs received the CCC score, while one did in 1H2026. 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.

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Top-Ranked Companies:

• Xfinity

• Verizon

• AT&T

• Spectrum

• T-Mobile

• Cable One (Sparklight)

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Read the Report and Take Action

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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.

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Download the 1H2026 report here.

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The 2025 Digital Opportunity Index report is available here.

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