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The FCC Raises Internet Speed Benchmark
Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to increase its benchmark for Internet speed, marking the first adjustment since January 2015. The FCC concluded that modern broadband service should offer a minimum of 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads.
A press release from the FCC following the 3-2 vote highlighted that the new benchmark of 100Mbps/20Mbps aligns with current standards utilized in various federal and state programs. These programs dictate how funds are distributed to expand network infrastructures. The updated benchmark also considers consumer usage patterns and the actual speeds available and advertised by Internet service providers.
The previous standard of 25Mbps downstream and 3Mbps upstream remained unchanged throughout the Trump administration and most of President Biden’s term. This adjustment to the speed standard has been subject to partisan debate, with Democrats advocating for a higher benchmark while Republicans argued against it.
While the benchmark alteration holds symbolic significance, it can indirectly influence potential FCC regulations. Under US law, the FCC is mandated to evaluate the deployment of advanced telecommunications capabilities to all Americans in a reasonable and timely manner. If the current deployment is deemed inadequate, the FCC must take immediate action to promote competition and accelerate deployment.
With the new higher speed standard, the FCC is more likely to conclude that broadband providers are not progressing towards universal deployment quickly enough. This might prompt regulatory actions from the FCC to rectify the situation.
2-2 Deadlock Causes Delay in Benchmark Increase
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat who has led the FCC since 2021, had been advocating for a speed increase even before assuming the top position at the commission. Formally proposing the 100Mbps/20Mbps standard in July 2022, Rosenworcel faced a gridlock as the FCC was split 2-2 at that time, resulting in the maintenance of the previous benchmark.
After facing obstacles with Biden’s initial nominee for an FCC seat, Democrats finally secured a 3-2 majority when Biden’s second nomination was confirmed in September 2023. The recent partisan 3-2 vote within the FCC approved the 100Mbps/20Mbps standard, accompanied by a report indicating that advanced telecommunications capability is not being promptly and reasonably deployed.
Based on data up to December 2022, the FCC report noted that fixed broadband service, excluding satellite, has failed to reach approximately 24 million Americans. Nearly 28% of individuals in rural areas and over 23% of those residing on Tribal lands lack access to adequate broadband services.
A draft of the FCC report, released ahead of the vote, highlighted the necessity to increase the fixed speed benchmark. The report emphasized that broadband services at speeds of 25/3Mbps, previously deemed advanced, no longer satisfy modern requirements. The report recommended a new standard requiring a minimum of 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads.
Additionally, the FCC report outlined a long-term speed goal of 1Gbps download speeds paired with 500Mbps upload speeds. This goal will serve as a reference point for evaluating efforts to encourage broadband deployment in the future.
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