The Federal Communications Commission has abolished its long-term benchmark of 1Gbps download and 500Mbps upload speeds, rejecting it as not technologically neutral and hence unfair to slower broadband technologies such as satellite and fixed wireless.
- FCC repeals 1Gbps speed goal for broadband deployment
- Decision aims to maintain technology neutrality across broadband types
- Current broadband availability deemed reasonable and timely
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially removed the long-term broadband speed goal of 1,000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload that had been set under the Biden administration. This change was finalized in the FCC’s most recent broadband deployment report, which is required under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act to assess whether broadband is being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner across the United States. The FCC reaffirmed its current benchmark standard of 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream instead.
Chairman Brendan Carr, a Republican who opposed the gigabit target, argued that the long-term goal lacked statutory basis and was not technologically neutral. The FCC stated that it is unfeasible to predict future technology advancements and consumer preferences, and keeping a fixed high-speed goal might inadvertently disadvantage technologies that currently provide lower speeds, such as satellite and fixed wireless internet services.
Why it matters
This decision signals a significant shift in the regulatory approach to broadband deployment standards in the US. By removing the gigabit speed target, the FCC reinforces a principle of technology neutrality—ensuring that regulatory benchmarks do not unfairly favor fiber or other high-speed technologies over others like satellite or wireless networks. This could have implications for how broadband providers plan infrastructure investments and compete in the market.
However, the move has faced criticism, particularly from Democratic FCC commissioners like Anna Gomez, who contend that abolishing or lowering speed goals actually undermines the notion of fairness. They argue that true neutrality means setting high standards across all technologies and encouraging providers to meet those standards regardless of the technology type. This debate reflects ongoing tensions about the pace and equity of broadband expansion in the US.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should observe the FCC’s forthcoming broadband deployment reports and any regulatory adjustments tied to government funding programs, such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which still requires gigabit-level speeds for grant recipients. These programs may sustain high-speed deployment targets despite the FCC’s removal of the formal gigabit goal, influencing broadband availability and quality in underserved areas.
Further, industry reactions will be important to monitor, especially from providers reliant on slower or alternative broadband technologies who may welcome the removal of the gigabit benchmark as a more achievable regulatory environment. Additionally, the ongoing political and public discourse around broadband speed standards and universal coverage goals may prompt renewed legislative or regulatory action in coming years.