Federal Communications Commission (FCC) The US changed its definition of “broadband Internet access” and now means at least download speed 100Mbit/s and the download speed is not less 20 Mbit/s. Since 2015 broadband has been officially recognized as a download speed channel 25Mbps and download speed 3 Mbit/s. Relatively recently, in 2021, the FCC chairman assured that such indicators are sufficient.

This definition is important because it gives the FCC criteria for evaluating broadband quality and regulating providers to provide adequate Internet access speeds throughout the United States. The FCC adapts its standards to federal and state funding opportunities and requirements, as well as “consumer usage patterns”.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said: “I think our new threshold should frankly be 100 Mbps. “I think that being inadequate means stealing our children’s future and hindering the new digital economy.”

Whether the new definition of broadband speed fits the user’s personal perception depends on the place of residence. According to the FCC, fixed terrestrial broadband is currently physically unavailable to approximately 24 million Americans; this includes nearly 28% of Americans living in rural areas and more than 23% of American citizens living on tribal lands.

5G mobile coverage does not provide the minimum download speed of 35 Mbps for about 9% of all Americans, about 36% of Americans in rural areas, and more than 20% of people in tribal areas.

45 million Americans lack access to both fixed broadband with 100 Mbps download speeds and 5G mobile services with 35 Mbps download speeds. 74% of school districts have a 1 Gbit/s wide channel per 1,000 students and school employees.

The new fixed broadband speed definition was passed by the FCC’s Democratic majority after years of failed attempts, thanks to a change in the commission’s makeup.