Chairman Brendan Carr of the US Federal Communications Commission has eliminated the agency’s long-term target of delivering gigabit download and half-gigabit upload speeds nationwide, marking a reversal of broadband goals from the previous administration.
- FCC revokes gigabit speed targets set under Biden administration
- Agency claims unpredictability of technological progress justifies change
- Critics warn move favors industry interests over consumers
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has formally decided to discontinue the agency’s long-term broadband speed goals that aimed to achieve nationwide gigabit download and half-gigabit upload speeds. These targets were originally established during the Biden administration as part of a broader effort to expand high-speed internet access across the country.
This decision reverses prior progress in broadband definition and speed aspirations, including the 2024 update raising the baseline broadband speed to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload from the previous standard of 25/3 Mbps. The FCC’s announcement cited the unpredictability of future technological developments and consumer needs as primary reasons for stepping back from these ambitious benchmarks.
Why it matters
The removal of gigabit speed goals signals a significant shift in US broadband policy, potentially slowing the push for widespread ultra-fast internet access. While the private sector has delivered gigabit and even multi-gigabit speeds in select urban and high-end residential areas, the FCC’s move undermines regulatory efforts to ensure equitable access to these advances nationwide.
Critics argue that this decision reflects a regulatory capture by industry interests who may prefer less aggressive speed targets to protect legacy and satellite broadband investments. The FCC’s optimistic claims that broadband speeds are rising, competition increasing, and prices falling have been challenged due to the reliance on industry data and the omission of critical perspectives from consumer advocacy groups.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor how this policy shift influences broadband infrastructure investment, especially in underserved and rural areas that remain far from gigabit connectivity. The FCC’s next broadband reports and updates will be scrutinized for evidence of progress or stagnation in improving internet speeds and affordability.
Additionally, the relationship between the FCC, the White House, and industry players under Chairman Carr’s leadership deserves attention. Observers will watch for further regulatory decisions that could either continue this trend of industry accommodation or pivot back toward more consumer-focused broadband policies.