FCC Raises Broadband Minimum Speeds to 100 Mbps Download, 20 Mbps Upload

The update aims to close the digital divide, especially in rural and tribal areas, reflecting increased internet needs highlighted by the pandemic.

The FCC has updated its definition of broadband to require minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, a significant increase from the previous standard of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
The decision, influenced by the need for faster internet highlighted by the pandemic, aims to address the digital divide and improve access in rural and tribal areas.
Approximately 24 million Americans, including 28% of rural residents and 23% of individuals in tribal areas, lacked access to the previous broadband standard as of December 2022.
The FCC's long-term goal is to achieve broadband speeds of 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload to further enhance connectivity.
Dissenting opinions from some commissioners question the necessity of the new standards and the FCC's methodology, while others praise initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program to reduce broadband costs for low-income Americans.