By Vicky Sidler | Published 7 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

The United States recently got some mixed tech reviews. According to the 2025 Digital Quality of Life Index from cybersecurity firm Surfshark, America is officially number one in artificial intelligence development. But when it comes to internet quality, affordability, and online safety, the stars and stripes are sagging a bit.

If you’re a small business owner trying to do anything remotely digital, this matters more than you think.

TL;DR:

• The US ranks 1st in AI and digital infrastructure globally

• But only 42nd in internet quality and 36th in digital security

• Internet is faster than Canada’s, but still pricey compared to places like Bulgaria

• AI could widen the digital divide if infrastructure and laws don’t catch up

• South Africa ranks 75th overall in digital quality of life

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Table of Contents:

America’s AI Trophy Has a Wobbly Shelf:

Let’s start with the good news. If AI were a sport, the US just took home gold. Surfshark ranks the United States 1st in artificial intelligence development and in digital infrastructure, beating out Singapore, South Korea, and the UK.

That’s a big deal.

Good AI implementation can streamline routine work, improve public services, support jobs, and help small businesses compete with big brands. Add in the US’s top-tier infrastructure and it looks like you’re ready to dominate the digital world.

But there’s a small catch.

Internet Quality? Not So Fast:

Despite all the AI firepower, the United States ranks just 42nd in internet quality. For context, Kuwait beats the US in mobile speed, and Singapore’s fixed internet is 38% faster. America’s mobile latency (that delay you feel when your Zoom call freezes) is nearly double that of top-performing countries.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Fixed internet speed: 336Mbps

• Mobile internet speed: 241Mbps

• Fixed latency: 21ms

• Mobile latency: 37ms

Those numbers aren’t bad in isolation. But if you’re running video calls, cloud backups, live streams, or any kind of remote client work, those milliseconds add up. Your client in Finland might wonder if you’re phoning in from the moon.

Security—Better Than Last Year, Still Not Great:

Digital security is what keeps your business data (and your clients’ information) safe. And while the US has moved up to 36th place globally, it’s still behind Canada and only slightly ahead of Australia.

Worse, the country’s data protection laws are described as “partially adequate.” If that phrase doesn’t inspire confidence, you’re not alone.

AI thrives on data. Lots of it. If your systems aren't secure, or your country lacks strong privacy rules, your business becomes a soft target. According to Surfshark’s Chief Security Officer, the lack of effective data protection laws is especially worrying given how much sensitive information AI systems now handle.

Affordable Internet Depends on Where You Stand:

It might feel like your internet bill is too high. And you’re not entirely wrong.

• Americans work 56 minutes a month to afford fixed internet

• For mobile, it’s 1 hour 38 minutes

• In Bulgaria? Just 11 minutes for fixed internet

• In Angola? Just 7 minutes for mobile

This doesn’t mean the US is wildly overpriced, but it shows there’s room for improvement. For small business owners in rural areas or with tight margins, those extra costs matter.

South Africa’s Spot in the Rankings:

If you’re reading this from South Africa, you’re probably wondering where we stand. The answer: 75th overall.

That puts us behind Brazil and India, and just ahead of the Philippines. We’re not the worst, but we’re not winning any digital medals either. For South African business owners, this means managing expectations. It also means being extra intentional with the tools and tech we use to stay visible, consistent, and connected.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

You may not care about rankings. But you do care about whether your tech setup is helping or slowing you down.

If you’re:

• Running virtual consults

• Managing remote teams

• Relying on cloud tools

• Hosting eCommerce sites

• Using AI to automate or assist with tasks

Then your digital quality of life directly affects your business quality of life.

And it’s not just about download speed. It’s about whether your business tools load quickly, your customer experience is smooth, and your data is safe.

What You Can Do:

As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Consultant, here’s what I recommend.

1. Don’t assume your tech is fine just because you’re in the US or SA. Run speed tests. Check your latency. Talk to your ISP if things are sluggish.

2. Double-check your data protection practices. Even if the law isn’t strict, your clients still expect you to protect their information.

3. Use AI, but know its limits. It’s great for brainstorming, automating small tasks, or generating drafts. But don’t use it as your only marketing or decision-making tool.

4. Simplify your messaging. You don’t need perfect bandwidth to get your message across. But you do need clarity. If you confuse people, they bounce. If you’re clear, they convert.

5. Build a simple system that works even with average tech. Don’t rely on flashy tools that collapse the moment your internet hiccups. Stick to systems that are fast, flexible, and forgiving.

If you want to make sure your message is crystal clear even when your connection isn’t, start with the 5 Minute Marketing Fix.

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Related Articles:

1. OpenAI’s $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry

If AI feels like magic, this one brings you back to earth. It explains why AI success depends on more than just investment—and what small businesses should watch for.

2. Meta’s AI Spending Spikes But There’s No Product

The US may lead in AI, but that doesn’t mean results. This post breaks down why even the biggest players are still figuring it out.

3. AI Slop Is Breaking the Internet—Here’s What Small Brands Can Do

High AI rankings don't mean high-quality output. Here’s how to stay clear and credible when everyone else is publishing junk.

4. South Africa’s 2025 Data Breach Count Hits 369k—Are You Next?

With SA ranking 75th in digital quality, this article explains the real cyber risks and what business owners can do now to stay secure.

5. Risks and Artificial Intelligence: What Small Businesses Must Know

Topping the AI leaderboard looks impressive—until it backfires. Learn how to use AI responsibly while protecting your brand.

Frequently Asked Questions About the US Digital Quality of Life Rankings

1. What is the Digital Quality of Life Index?

It’s an annual global study by Surfshark that ranks countries based on five factors: internet affordability, internet quality, digital infrastructure, digital security, and artificial intelligence development.

2. Why does it matter that the US ranks 1st in AI?

AI is now a core part of business tools, automation, and communication. Ranking 1st means the US is leading in developing and applying these technologies, which can give businesses access to cutting-edge tools and efficiencies.

3. What’s holding the US back from a higher overall ranking?

Despite its strength in AI and infrastructure, the US ranks poorly in internet quality (42nd), digital security (36th), and internet affordability (38th), which pulls its overall score down.

4. What does “internet quality” include?

It includes fixed and mobile internet speeds, as well as latency (the delay between sending and receiving data). Lower latency and faster speeds generally mean smoother video calls, uploads, and cloud use.

5. Is the US internet really that bad?

It’s not terrible, but it’s inconsistent. Fixed internet speeds are decent at 336Mbps, and mobile speeds are 241Mbps. But latency is high, and prices are steep compared to other countries with similar or better performance.

6. How does digital security affect small businesses?

Digital security protects your business data and customer information. A lower national ranking means weaker legal protections and higher risk of breaches or cyberattacks—especially if your systems aren’t secure.

7. What can small businesses do to improve their own digital quality?

Test your internet speeds, reduce reliance on high-latency tools, improve your cybersecurity practices, and ensure your messaging is clear and simple, even on a shaky connection.

8. How does South Africa compare?

South Africa ranks 75th overall. That means slower speeds, weaker infrastructure, and affordability challenges. Local businesses need to be extra resourceful in how they use digital tools.

9. Can I rely on AI tools if my internet isn’t great?

Yes, but within reason. Use lightweight tools, save work offline, and stick to AI assistants that don’t require constant high-speed cloud access.

10. Where should I start if I want to improve my digital setup?

Start with a clear message and a simple, stable system.Download the 5 Minute Marketing Fix to get one sentence that communicates what you do—even if your Wi-Fi drops mid-pitch.