There are many ways to access the internet, and “broadband” simply refers to fast service. However, not many US home connections meet the Federal Communications Commission’s new definition of broadband, which now requires a minimum of 100 megabits down and 20 megabits up. This is a significant increase from the previous minimums of 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up.
For example, the cheapest “broadband” package from my local ISP, Blue Ridge, meets the download standard (300Mbps) but falls short on uploads (7Mbps). To qualify as true broadband, users in this area must upgrade to the highest package, which offers 2Gbps/40Mbps at almost $100 per month.
The FCC last updated its broadband standard in 2015 and plans to increase it to 1Gbps/500Mbps in the future. According to the Commission, 24 million Americans (7%) lack access to fixed internet at the new speed, with higher percentages in rural areas and Native American tribal lands.
Mobile networks like T-Mobile and Verizon are helping bridge the gap by offering 5G service as an alternative to wired internet. However, 9% of the country still lacks access to mobile broadband at the basic 35Mbps down and 3Mbps up standard.
