📡FCC Ditches Gigabit Speed Goal for Broadband
The FCC just made gigabit speeds optional
TL;DR
The FCC has scrapped its long-term gigabit speed target for broadband, settling instead on a new benchmark of 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up. This move reflects the current state of US broadband deployment.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially ditched the Biden-era goal of achieving gigabit speeds across the country by 2034, replacing it with a more modest benchmark of 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream. This decision was finalized on August 14 in the FCC's latest broadband deployment report. The move is significant for anyone tracking internet infrastructure as it signals a shift towards accepting current levels of broadband availability as adequate. With approximately 94% of Americans now having access to fixed wireline service at 100/20 Mbps, and including satellite services bumping that number up to 99.7%, the FCC is effectively declaring the digital divide rapidly closing.
Key Points
FCC's long-term speed target was set at 1Gbps download speeds paired with 500Mbps upload speeds, now abolished in favor of 100/20 Mbps
As of mid-2025, approximately 94% of Americans had access to fixed wireline service meeting the new benchmark
Including satellite services, broadband availability reaches 99.7% of Americans
The change was proposed by Republican Brendan Carr last year and finalized on August 14, 2023
Comments from industry groups like NCTA and CTIA supported the rationale for abolishing the long-term goal
Why It Matters
If you're tracking internet infrastructure or broadband deployment metrics, this shift in FCC policy means gigabit speeds are no longer a mandated target. Instead, the focus is on ensuring widespread access to at least 100/20 Mbps service, which covers over 94% of Americans today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're tracking internet infrastructure or broadband deployment metrics, this shift in FCC policy means gigabit speeds are no longer a mandated target. Instead, the focus is on ensuring widespread access to at least 100/20 Mbps service, which covers over 94% of Americans today.
What happened?
The FCC has scrapped its long-term gigabit speed target for broadband, settling instead on a new benchmark of 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up. This move reflects the current state of US broadband deployment.
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