After years of debate and discussion, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finally updated its definition of ‘broadband’ internet speed. The new standard now requires download speeds of 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second, a significant increase from the previous 25Mbps/3Mbps threshold that had been in place since 2015.
The decision, which was pushed through by the FCC’s Democratic majority, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand access to high-speed internet across the United States. The updated definition is intended to reflect the evolving needs of modern society, as well as the growing importance of robust internet connectivity in education, commerce, and daily life.
According to FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who had advocated for the higher threshold nearly a decade ago, the previous definition fell short of adequately serving the needs of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. She argued that the new standard of 100Mbps is essential for supporting the nation’s children, future economic growth, and the emerging digital economy.
One of the key implications of this redefinition is its impact on the FCC’s ability to assess and address the broadband gap. By raising the bar for what constitutes ‘broadband’ internet, the FCC aims to more accurately gauge the extent of the digital divide and implement targeted measures to improve access and affordability.
However, despite the updated benchmark, significant challenges remain. The FCC’s press release highlights that nearly 28 percent of Americans in rural areas still lack access to even the newly defined broadband speeds, underscoring the persistent disparities in internet infrastructure across the country. Moreover, factors such as pricing and latency also play crucial roles in determining the quality of internet access, further complicating the efforts to ensure equitable connectivity for all.
Furthermore, the FCC’s announcement revealed troubling statistics regarding the state of broadband deployment in the US. Approximately 24 million Americans, including a significant portion of those residing in rural and Tribal lands, do not have access to fixed terrestrial broadband service. Additionally, mobile 5G-NR coverage at the required speeds has not been physically deployed to a substantial percentage of the population, further exacerbating the digital divide.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, the FCC’s decision to redefine broadband speed has far-reaching implications for various sectors, including education. The new standard directly impacts the connectivity goals for schools and classrooms, with the FCC setting a benchmark of 1 gigabit per second for every 1,000 students and staff. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done, as 74% of school districts currently meet this goal, leaving a significant portion of students and educators without the recommended level of connectivity.
Ultimately, the FCC’s move to raise the bar for broadband internet speed represents a significant step towards addressing the digital divide and ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed internet. However, it also underscores the persistent challenges and disparities that continue to hinder equitable access to broadband across the country.
