Regulation Proposal Seeks to Abandon Long-term Gigabit Internet Speed Objectives and Cost Evaluations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote on a proposal by Chairman Brendan Carr on August 7, which aims to eliminate the Biden administration's long-term goal of ensuring gigabit internet speeds for all Americans [1][2].
The proposal argues that setting a fixed long-term gigabit speed target could unfairly favor fiber-optic technology, while disadvantaging other technologies such as satellite and fixed wireless that cannot yet meet these benchmarks [1][3]. The FCC believes in fostering a "technology-neutral" market environment where multiple types of internet service can compete without predefined speed mandates skewing investment [1].
Currently, the FCC's minimum broadband speed definition remains unchanged at 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload [3]. However, the proposed rollback would eliminate the long-term gigabit speed goal.
This approach contrasts with the previous Democratic-led FCC stance, which had raised minimum broadband definitions and embraced gigabit internet as a long-term national objective to stimulate infrastructure development and federal funding for faster networks [2][3][5].
The FCC's decision could potentially impact ISPs that can't offer gigabit speeds but may still benefit from FCC programs. It could also impact the broadband landscape by reducing pressure for universal fiber deployment and allowing more wireless and satellite providers to participate in subsidy programs [1][2].
The FCC's annual inquiry, required by Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, focuses on whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed, rather than whether it has already been deployed [4]. The commission plans to continue monitoring technological developments and consumer preferences and adapt their current benchmark and relevant high-cost support programs accordingly [6].
Carr has expressed discontent with this approach due to a desire to more faithfully adhere to Section 706's requirements [7]. He seems to be worried about more than just deployment progress, as the proposal refocuses the Commission's inquiry on the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability [4][5].
The FCC published a fact sheet on July 17 related to the "Inquiry Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion" [8]. The voting decision may also influence the categories into which U.S. residents affected by these policies will be sorted.
A recent report by Ars Technica revealed that the Trump administration changed grant-giving procedures to distribute more funds to non-fiber providers such as Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network [9]. The FCC's decision could potentially shift the balance of funding towards such providers.
The 2024 report incorporates universal service goals including deployment, adoption, affordability, availability, and equitable access to broadband [10]. The outcome of the August 7 vote will determine whether the FCC will prioritize avoiding "picking technological winners and losers" in its broadband deployment analysis.
References: 1. FCC Chairman Proposes to Eliminate Long-term Gigabit Internet Goal 2. FCC Chairman Proposes to Eliminate Long-term Gigabit Internet Goal: What You Need to Know 3. FCC's Carr Proposes to Eliminate Long-term Gigabit Internet Goal, Citing Technology Neutrality 4. FCC Chairman Aims to Alter Metrics for Section 706 Inquiry 5. FCC Chairman Wants to Refocus Section 706 Inquiry on Deployment 6. FCC Proposes to Continue Monitoring Technological Developments 7. Carr Expresses Discontent with FCC's Approach 8. FCC Fact Sheet: Inquiry Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability 9. Trump Administration Shifts Grant-giving Procedures to Favor Non-fiber Providers 10. 2024 Report Incorporates Universal Service Goals
- The FCC's proposal, led by Chairman Carr, suggests eliminating the long-term goal of gigabit internet speeds, arguing that this could favor fiber-optic technology over other emerging technologies like satellite and fixed wireless.
- Technology neutrality is the FCC's belief in fostering a competitive market environment where various internet service types can compete fairly, without predefined speed mandates directing investment towards specific technologies.
