The minimum download speed required for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to call an Internet service broadband has been quadrupled in a sudden but significant move. This is the first time since 2015 that the FCC’s internet speed rules have been changed. The new standards aim for 100 Mbps downloads and 20 Mbps uploads.
According to the FCC’s internet speed regulations, a broadband label must only have a download speed of 100 Mbps.
This comes after the FCC’s annual High Speed Internet Assessment highlighted the need for better connectivity at the national level. However, the report points to insufficient broadband deployment, particularly in rural areas and tribal lands, where millions of Americans lack access to quality high-speed Internet.
Additionally, approximately twenty-four million people in America still lack fixed terrestrial broadband service, as identified by TheVerge (via an official FCC report), with many rural and tribal populations making up a significant portion of such numbers. Additionally, about nine percent of all Americans lack adequate 5G cellular speeds, including a higher percentage in more remote areas without tribal governments.
Looking ahead, the Federal Communications Commission has set 1 Gbps download speeds and 500 Mbps upload speeds as long-term goals. This ambitious goal provides a common goal for stakeholders in proposing possible future amendments to broadband standards.
The FCC aims to improve internet quality in the US by raising thresholds
In order to improve services, the decision to increase broadband speed requirements is aimed at forcing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to take action. The Federal Communications Commission can’t force speed upgrades, but it can prevent ISPs from labeling their offerings as “broadband” if they don’t exceed the new thresholds.
The act also reaffirms the FCC’s commitment to providing high-quality Internet service to all Americans, following an attempt by the Biden administration. However, its effectiveness will depend on whether ISPs find it viable to adhere to these policies as they strive to provide more reliable and faster connections to their customers. Faster internet doesn’t always mean a reliable connection, and one often comes at the expense of the other.
2024-03-16 15:10:33
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