Overview
- The proposal released July 17 would abolish the 1 Gbps downstream/500 Mbps upstream long-term goal established in the March 2024 FCC report.
- It would remove broadband affordability and pricing from the Section 706 inquiry, labeling cost analysis an “extraneous” consideration.
- The commission would shift its annual deployment review to focus on whether advanced telecommunications capability “is being deployed” instead of assessing full coverage.
- While retaining the current 100 Mbps/20 Mbps availability benchmark, the FCC is requesting public comment on its future use.
- These changes are designed to lower the bar for passing grades in the FCC’s annual broadband report and are slated for a vote on August 7.