The Evolving Definition of Broadband Internet
Internet connectivity comes in various forms, but the term “broadband” generally signifies high-speed service. However, the definition of what constitutes fast internet has recently shifted. The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states that many residential connections in the US fall short of meeting the new minimum standards for broadband.
New Broadband Standards
As of today, the updated federal government definition of broadband requires a minimum of 100 megabits per second for downloads and 20 megabits per second for uploads. This represents a significant increase from the previous standard of 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up. For instance, even the most basic “broadband” package offered by local ISPs may fail to satisfy the new requirements, necessitating an upgrade to higher-tier plans.
Implications for Consumers
For example, a popular local ISP like Blue Ridge may advertise a package with download speeds of 300Mbps but only upload speeds of 7Mbps. To truly qualify as broadband under the new criteria, users in such service areas may need to opt for premium packages offering speeds like 2Gbps down and 40Mbps up, often at a higher cost.
Accessibility Challenges
According to the FCC’s latest announcement, approximately 24 million Americans, representing 7% of the population, lack access to fixed internet services that meet the new broadband standards. This percentage is even higher in rural areas and Native American tribal lands, where 24% and 28% of individuals, respectively, are impacted by limited internet access.
Pushing Towards Greater Speeds
The FCC’s plan includes a future upgrade to 1Gbps down and 500Mbps up speeds, underscoring the ongoing efforts to improve internet access and speed for all Americans. While mobile networks like T-Mobile and Verizon are playing a role in bridging the accessibility gap, there are still areas where mobile broadband remains unavailable, particularly at the basic 35Mbps down/3Mbps up standard.
About the Author: Michael Crider
Michael Crider, a staff writer at PCWorld, brings a wealth of experience in graphic design and computer building. His diverse interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, reflecting his varied passions.