Politics

FCC Proposes Raising Broadband Standard To 100Mbps

By Samad Robinson

July 15, 2022

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposes raising the minimum definition of broadband to 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads. Rosenworcel also has a long-term goal of getting to 1 Gbps. She referred to the current broadband standards as being harmful.

“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, 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. That’s why we need to raise the standard for minimum broadband speeds now and while also aiming even higher for the future, because we need to set big goals if we want everyone everywhere to have a fair shot at 21st-century success.” – Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC Chairwoman

Jessica Rosenworcel also wants to increase improve the availability and affordability of broadband internet in under-serviced areas.