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The official definition of “broadband” in the United States has changed, regulators have announced.
The minimum speed required for calls to connect to broadband will increase from 25Mbps to 100Mbps. This was part of a vote by the Federal Communications Commission, which voted 3-2 in favor of the change.
High-speed broadband now requires 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, up from 3Mbps previously.
The FCC says the changes will help ensure more people have faster connections, in line with its commitment to provide high-speed broadband to everyone. The report pointed out that only 28% of Americans in rural areas are not as connected as they should be.
“The fix is overdue,” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in announcing the change. The change will allow regulators to understand “the extent to which low-income and rural communities are underserved.”
Ms. Rosenworcel said the committee also set “long-term goals” of 1 Gbps on the downside and 500 Mbps on the upside.
In 2015, the FCC increased its download speed guideline from 4Mpbs to 25Mbps. Politicians and officials have since called for higher download speeds to help understand how connected people are and where money should be spent.
Ms. Rosenworcel said the changes, some of which were made in response to the pandemic, showed the extent of America’s “digital divide.” “That’s why we are boldly addressing this divide now,” she said.