The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant stride in modernizing its broadband speed standards, setting a new benchmark that quadruples the previous baseline. The regulatory body has upped the ante by mandating that high-speed broadband now entails download speeds of at least 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps, a considerable leap from the outdated 25Mbps/3Mbps metric.
This decisive move, garnered through a 3-2 vote, propels the United States towards a future where robust internet connectivity is increasingly recognized as a necessity. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel passionately asserted, “This fix is overdue,” underscoring the vital role of high-speed internet in low-income neighborhoods and rural communities.
The shift in broadband metric is not merely administrative; it bears tangible implications for identifying areas lacking adequate internet speeds and determining the allocation of governmental funds. With the goalposts moved, the FCC can now more accurately ascertain where deployment is lagging and take actions to address these gaps.
The FCC’s data from December 2022 paints a stark picture: roughly 45 million Americans find themselves in digital deserts, bereft of both 100/20Mbps fixed service and adequate mobile 5G-NR service. The commission’s long-term aspirations are equally ambitious, targeting a future where broadband speeds could soar to 1,000Mbps for downloads and 500Mbps for uploads. Rosenworcel remains committed to bridging the divide, noting, “Millions of people in rural, urban and Tribal communities still do not have the broadband they need to fully participate in modern life. We are working on it.”
Despite the forward-looking stance, the decision encountered resistance from the two Republican Commissioners. Concerns were raised over satellite internet services like SpaceX’s Starlink, which, despite offering high-speed internet—particularly in rural areas—does not currently meet the newly instituted benchmarks. Commissioner Nathan Simington praised Starlink’s transformative capabilities, emphasizing its ability to deliver speeds “near or exceeding 100/20Mbps” and advocating for its right to vie for federal subsidies.
The broader landscape of internet service is also shifting, with federal and state programs already using the 100Mbps/20Mbps standard to distribute expansion funding. As we march towards a digital age where telecommuting, video conferencing, and telehealth are not just luxuries but staples, the call for equitable, high-speed broadband becomes ever louder. The FCC’s new standard acknowledges this reality, aiming to elevate the service experience across the nation, particularly in the most rural corners.
Notably, the FCC’s redefinition is more than a statement of intent; it’s an actionable framework that will likely accelerate regulatory measures to spur universal deployment. The transition to this benchmark was previously stymied by a 2-2 deadlock but has now come to fruition with the Democrats securing a 3-2 majority.
Relevant articles:
– FCC Officially Raises Minimum Broadband Metric From 25Mbps to 100Mbps
– FCC scraps old speed benchmark, says broadband should be at least 100Mbps, Ars Technica, Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:49:11 GMT
– FCC hears objections to symmetrical broadband definition, Fierce Telecom, Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT
– The FCC wants to increase minimum broadband speeds to 100/20 Mbps, RCR Wireless News, Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT