At WebFX, we meticulously track approximately 1,500 distinct Google Analytics profiles across a diverse array of industries, enabling us to conduct comprehensive analyses based on extensive data. Our insights have delved into search engine utilization and the “not provided” data. With the recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable by Comcast making headlines, we sought to assess the potential impact on the ISP market landscape. Utilizing data from over 56 million visits from 2013, we analyzed the current ISP outlook and uncovered several key insights regarding market share.
Our analysis revealed the leading ISP in each state, correlating these findings with the overall visits per state to determine market share percentages. This examination highlighted several notable trends, particularly relevant as Comcast discusses the acquisition of Time Warner Cable.
We discovered that market share distribution varied significantly across states, with some states evenly divided among ISPs while others were almost exclusively served by one dominant provider. This insight, combined with the ongoing mergers and acquisitions shaping the industry, provided a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape.
By the end of the year, we identified the largest ISP in each state based on overall market share, resulting in a total of 12 service providers across the 50 states. Notable companies included AT&T, Cablevision, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Frontier, GCI, Mediacom, Midcontinent Media, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon. Despite some states exhibiting balanced market share, others stood out with disproportionately high percentages held by a single ISP.
Our interactive map of the ISP market allows users to visualize the distribution of market share across the United States. States with higher market share for the top ISP are highlighted with more intense colors, providing a clear representation of market control.
This analysis revealed that Alaska is the most controlled by a single ISP, with GCI holding 62.977% market share. Other states with high market share concentration include Maine (Time Warner Cable, 56.995%), Wyoming (Cablevision, 56.262%), and New Hampshire (Comcast, 54.712%).
The recent announcement of Comcast’s decision to purchase all Time Warner Cable stock for $45.2 billion prompted us to explore the potential impact of this acquisition on the ISP market. Our analysis indicates that the deal could result in a more pronounced red presence across the map, with Comcast’s market share increasing from 18 states to 27, encompassing more than half of the United States.
This shift highlights the significant influence of major ISPs in shaping the competitive landscape of the ISP industry. While the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of mergers and acquisitions on market competition and consumer choice.
Our analysis, based on over 56 million web visits, provides a snapshot of the current trends in the ISP industry. While it may not represent the entire scope of the market, it offers valuable insights into the competitive landscape and the potential implications of major market shifts.
