tech
FCC abolishes gigabit speed goal, suggesting it is unfair to slower technologies
FCC decides 1Gbps is too fast, standard must be “technologically neutral.”
TL;DR
- The FCC has abolished its long-term gigabit speed goal (1Gbps download/500Mbps upload).
- The FCC stated the gigabit goal was not "technologically neutral" and could be prejudicial to satellite and fixed wireless technologies.
- The new broadband benchmark is 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream.
- The FCC now considers current broadband deployment levels in the US to be reasonable and timely.
- Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the decision, arguing it lowers standards rather than promoting technological neutrality.
- The FCC's decision does not affect grant programs requiring gigabit speeds for ISPs in exchange for government funding.
- The report omits affordability and usability from its analysis, focusing solely on deployment availability.
- The FCC concluded that broadband prices are generally decreasing, citing industry data.