FCC Chair suggests boosting broadband standard to 100Mbps

The FCC’s broadband standard of 25Mbps set in 2015 is now considered outdated, according to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. She is proposing to increase the minimum definition of broadband to 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads, in order to address the issue of low-income and rural users being left behind. This move is supported by evidence and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with plans to improve speeds in rural areas.

Rosenworcel also aims to set a future standard of 1Gbps down and 500Mbps up, along with additional criteria for broadband rollout. However, the decision is uncertain as it requires a vote from the current deadlocked commission. The Senate’s delay in confirming nominee Gigi Sohn further complicates the situation, with telecom companies possibly needing to invest in better networks to meet the proposed standards.