The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is finally looking at raising its definition for minimum broadband speeds from 25Mbps to 100Mbps.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed raising the minimum broadband metric as part of the commission’s annual review of the state of broadband in the US. “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,” she said in Friday’s announcement.
Back in 2015, the FCC increased the minimum broadband metric to 25Mbps download/3Mbps upload, an increase from the outdated 4Mbps/1Mbps metric. But since then, both US senators and government watchdogs have urged the FCC to raise the metric to higher speeds to suit modern expectations.
Rosenworcel agrees and has previously called on the FCC to update its definition. “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,” she added.
Rosenworcel is kicking off the potential change through a “Notice of Inquiry,” which could lead to a definition change, pending a period of public input and a vote for adoption. Her proposal is seeking to raise the minimum broadband metric to 100Mbps for downloads and 25Mbps for uploads. In addition, Rosenworcel is pushing the commission to adopt a long-term plan to make 1Gbps/500Mbps as the minimum broadband definition in the future.
The broadband definition is important because it helps the FCC determine what areas across the US are receiving adequate internet services, and if more government funding is necessary. It can also force internet service providers to build out their networks and increase speeds to meet government requirements on receiving federal subsidies.
“Looking beyond speed, Chairwoman Rosenworcel also proposes that the Commission consider affordability, adoption, availability, and equitable access as part of its determination as to whether broadband is being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion,” the FCC added.