Washington, DC, Monday, March 25, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a significant shift in its definition of “broadband internet.”
Effective immediately, the minimum download speed for internet service to be classified as broadband will be 100 Mbps, a substantial increase from the previous standard of 25 Mbps.
“The internet has become an essential part of our lives, and we need to ensure that everyone has access to the speeds they need to fully participate in today’s digital economy,” said FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement.
“Today’s action reflects the reality of how Americans use the internet and sets a higher bar for what constitutes broadband service in the United States,” a report by Pew Research says. 1
The new standard is expected to have a significant impact on internet service providers (ISPs). They will now need to invest in infrastructure upgrades to meet the higher minimum speed requirement in underserved areas. Additionally, the FCC is exploring ways to incentivize ISPs to expand broadband access to those who currently lack it.
However, concerns remain about the potential impact on consumers, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure upgrades may be costly and slow to implement. The FCC has acknowledged this challenge and is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure an affordable transition to the new standard.
The FCC also claims that the increased minimum speed requirement is a step towards closing the digital divide—the gap between those who have access to high-speed internet and those who don’t.
This initiative could potentially improve internet access for millions of Americans and pave the way for a more connected future.
- pewresearch.org: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/[↩]
