In a recent statement, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed increasing the FCC’s broadband speed standard from 25/3 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. She also proposed setting a future goal of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps.
The current 25/3 Mbps standard was set in 2015 and has not been increased since.
“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 Rosenworcel.
100/20 Mbps is enough speed for a small household of 2-5 users to stream, browse, download and game with multiple users at the same time.
Rosenworcel’s proposal cites Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requirements as evidence to raise the speed standard.
Internet service providers (ISPs) will be required to achieve and offer speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps in order to receive funding from the $42 billion BEAD program.
In current negotiations over the renewal of the Farm Bill, there is also a push for the legislation to require ISPs to offer symmetrical speeds of 100/100 Mbps in order to receive funding.
In her proposal, Rosenworcel also stated her goal of 100% access to affordable broadband for all Americans.
“In today’s world, everyone needs access to affordable, high-speed internet, no exceptions,” said Rosenworcel. “It’s time to connect everyone, everywhere. Anything short of 100% is just not good enough,” she said.
The government’s “Internet for All” initiative hopes to reach this goal by 2030, with over $43 billion being dispersed among states and territories.
The challenge is in reaching the eight million people lacking high-speed internet access, especially those living in rural areas.
Read more about U.S. broadband expansion efforts.
Read more industry news at our news hub.
Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you
Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S, meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.
Get startedWritten by:
Camryn SmithCammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace. Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
-
Featured2030 is the U.S. target date for ‘Internet for All’ Robin Layton — 3 min read
-
FeaturedBroadband map shows over 8M in US lack access to high-speed internet Robin Layton — 2 min read
-
FeaturedEven with billions of dollars, connecting every American to the internet isn’t an easy or quick feat Robin Layton — 6 min read
Latest
-
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
How to share your Wi-Fi password on an iPhoneCamryn Smith — 3 min read
-
Monday, November 4, 2024
Federal government takes a look at ‘doom loop’ of customer supportRobin Layton — 2 min read
-
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Why is my internet so slow during the day?Camryn Smith — 4 min read