Edgar Cervantes/Android Authority
long story short
- The FCC changed the definition of broadband and quadrupled the speed requirements.
- Internet connections must now offer download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps to be considered broadband.
- The previous broadband benchmark was 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has raised broadband speed benchmarks for the first time in nearly 10 years. For internet services to be considered “broadband”, the Commission now requires that they provide download speeds of at least 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps.
From 2015, the previous benchmark for broadband connections was set at 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload. So, in essence, ISPs must now offer 4x more download speeds in order for their connection to be considered broadband.
The FCC said the increased fixed speed benchmarks are based on standards currently used in multiple federal and state programs, consumer usage patterns and what Internet service providers actually offer and sell.
According to the commission’s annual assessment report, broadband is not being deployed appropriately and in a timely manner based on the total number of Americans. By changing broadband requirements, regulators aim to close the gap in deployment of the technology.
The committee also set long-term goals of broadband download speeds of 1 Gbps and upload speeds of 500 Mbps, “to provide stakeholders with a common goal of working together – a better, faster, more powerful communications system for American consumers.” “