The FCC Raises Broadband Speed Standard to 100 Mbps
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently voted to raise the benchmark for broadband speed in the United States. The previous standard of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, which had been in place since January 2015, was deemed insufficient to meet modern internet usage demands. The new benchmark now requires broadband service providers to offer at least 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
The decision to increase the speed standard was based on multiple factors. The FCC considered the standards used in various federal and state programs, which distribute funding to expand networks. The benchmark also took into account consumer usage patterns and the actual speeds available and marketed by internet service providers. By raising the speed standard, the FCC aims to ensure that broadband providers are deploying advanced telecommunications capability in a reasonable and timely manner.
Partisan Divide and Regulatory Impact
There has been a clear partisan divide regarding the broadband speed standard. Democrats have been advocating for a higher benchmark, while Republicans have argued against raising it. Although the standard is partly symbolic, it can indirectly impact potential FCC regulations.
Under US law, the FCC is obligated to evaluate whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. If the current deployment is deemed insufficient, the FCC is required to take immediate action to accelerate deployment and promote competition. With the higher speed standard, the FCC is more likely to conclude that broadband providers are not moving toward universal deployment fast enough, potentially leading to regulatory actions.
During the Trump era, the Republican majority in the FCC ruled that 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds still counted as advanced telecommunications capability. They concluded that the telecom industry was doing enough to extend advanced telecom service to all Americans.
Deadlock and the Road to the 100 Mbps Standard
Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, the current FCC chair, had been advocating for a speed increase even before assuming her role. In July 2022, Rosenworcel formally proposed the 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload standard. However, at that time, the FCC faced a 2-2 partisan deadlock, and the previous standard remained in place for a while longer.
After facing obstacles with the Senate, President Biden’s second nominee to fill an empty FCC seat was confirmed in September 2023. This confirmation gave Democrats a 3-2 majority in the FCC. Finally, in a party-line vote, the 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload standard was approved, along with a report stating that advanced telecommunications capability was not being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner.
The FCC’s report highlighted the number of Americans, particularly those in rural areas and tribal lands, who still lack access to advanced telecommunications capability. According to data from December 2022, approximately 24 million Americans, nearly 28% of those in rural areas, and over 23% of people living on tribal lands, do not have fixed broadband service physically deployed to their locations.
In addition to the 100 Mbps/20 Mbps standard, the FCC report also sets a long-term speed goal of 1 Gbps download speeds paired with 500 Mbps upload speeds. This speed goal will serve as a guidepost for evaluating the FCC’s efforts to encourage broadband deployment.
By raising the broadband speed standard to 100 Mbps, the FCC aims to ensure that Americans have access to faster and more reliable internet service. This decision reflects the evolving needs of consumers and the increasing reliance on broadband for various activities, including remote work, education, and entertainment.
