Why does my Netflix keep buffering?

When it comes to internet speed, you might think the U.S., with its litany of international web-based companies, would top the global list. However, a study released in 2014 found that the U.S. ranked 31st in the world in terms of download speeds and 42nd in the world in terms of upload speeds. Surprisingly mediocre.

So, why is it that the U.S. internet lags behind the other major world internet powers?

One major reason is a lack of competition.

As Wired Magazine explained in 2013, this lack of competition can partially be attributed to local governments and their exorbitant fees to construct networks.

"This reduces the number of potential competitors who can profitably deploy service — such as AT&T’s U-Verse, Google Fiber, and Verizon FiOS. The lack of competition makes it easier for local governments and utilities to charge more for rights of way and pole attachments."

These barriers to competition allow for a few cable companies to dominate the market. This causes internet companies to not strive to provide the fastest internet possible. If they can continue to succeed with only middling internet speed levels, why improve? 

So what are the solutions? 

One is innovative ways of delivering internet. Monkeybrains a San Francisco-based ISP uses roof-mounted wireless connections and direct fiber access to deliver "insane internet speeds." Another option is for the government to subsidize the internet and offer packages to low-income households. With more demand for the internet, competition may increase as well.