FCC abolishes gigabit speed goal, suggesting it is unfair to slower technologies
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has removed the goal of providing gigabit-speed internet across the U.S., saying the target is unfair to slower internet technologies. Instead, the FCC now considers current internet speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload as acceptable for judging broadband availability.Key Facts
- The FCC ended the previous goal of 1,000 Mbps (1 gigabit) download and 500 Mbps upload speeds for broadband.
- This change was finalized on August 14 in the FCC’s broadband deployment report.
- The FCC stated the gigabit goal was not "technologically neutral" because it favored fiber internet over slower services like satellite and wireless.
- The updated benchmark for broadband speed is now 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
- The FCC’s decision was supported by industry groups representing cable and wireless providers.
- Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez disagreed, saying standards should remain high and consistent for all technologies.
- The change does not affect government grant programs that require gigabit speeds for funded internet projects.
- The FCC must report on whether internet is being deployed quickly enough nationwide and take action if it isn’t.
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