FCC’s head recommends broadband internet speed increase to 100 Mbps/20 Mbps

In an effort to ensure faster internet speeds for U.S. customers, the head of the Federal Communications Commission proposed increasing the minimum speed from 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to 100 Mbps/20 Mbps.

In addition, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel set a separate goal of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps for the future.  

“The needs of internet users long ago surpassed the FCC’s 25/3 speed metric, especially during a global health pandemic that moved so much of life online,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. 

“The 25/3 metric isn’t just behind the times, it’s a harmful one because it masks the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are being left behind and left offline. That’s why we need to raise the standard for minimum broadband speeds now and while also aiming even higher for the future, because we need to set big goals if we want everyone everywhere to have a fair shot at 21st-century success.”

The proposed 100/20 metric aligns with the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Within the program, 20 internet providers, including larger companies like AT&T and Verizon Fios, offer high-speed internet plans for $30/mo, allowing anyone to receive the $30/mo. stipend from the ACP to get internet service for free.

The $30/mo. high-speed plans offer a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed, which is fast enough for a family of four to video conference, stream videos and more.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel also proposes that the FCC look into “affordability, adoption, availability, and equitable access as part of its determination if broadband is being deployed” in a timely way.

The proposal kicked off the agency’s annual evaluation of the state of broadband in the U.S.