Navigating the realm of internet connectivity reveals a plethora of options, each vying to provide what is commonly referred to as “broadband” service—synonymous with high-speed access. However, determining what qualifies as “fast” remains a contentious issue, particularly within the United States, as noted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In a significant development that recently took effect, the federal government revamped its definition of broadband, substantially elevating the minimum threshold. Now set at 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads, this represents a monumental leap—a 400 percent increase for downloads and a staggering 600 percent surge for uploads—compared to the previous benchmarks of 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, which were used for advertising wired broadband services.
Illustrating this shift is the entry-level “broadband” package offered by local ISPs like Blue Ridge. While meeting the new standard for downloads at 300 Mbps, it falls short in uploads, capped at 7 Mbps. To truly qualify as broadband, users in such service areas must opt for the highest-tier package, boasting speeds of 2 Gbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads, often priced at nearly $100 per month under promotional deals.
The FCC’s latest revision of the broadband standard, implemented in 2015, hints at further enhancements, with plans for future updates targeting speeds of 1 Gbps for downloads and 500 Mbps for uploads. However, despite these advancements, the FCC’s recent announcement sheds light on a sobering reality: approximately 24 million Americans, constituting 7% of the population, lack access to fixed internet at the newly defined speed. This digital divide is even more pronounced in rural areas and Native American tribal lands, impacting 24% and 28% of individuals, respectively.
While mobile networks have played a pivotal role in mitigating this disparity—offering 5G service as a viable alternative to wired internet—challenges persist. Notably, mobile broadband remains unavailable for 9% of the country, failing to meet the basic standard of 35 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up.