FCC raises broadband benchmark

Last week, the FCC raised the definition of broadband from 4 megabits per second (Mbps) to 25Mbps for downloads, and 1Mbps to 3Mbps for uploads.

The 3-2 vote took place along party lines, with Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioners Rosenworcel and Clyburn voting for the proposal.

At these speeds, 55 million Americans, or 17 percent of the population, do not have access to high speed broadband.

The Communications Workers of America commended the FCC vote. According to CWA:

“CWA concurs with the FCC that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner, leaving too many consumers, businesses, and communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. CWA calls on policymakers to focus on this critical issue and stands ready to work with broadband companies, federal and state policymakers and community leaders seeking solutions to get high-speed wired Internet connections to all communities.  Leaving any community behind is not an acceptable solution.”

FCC raises threshold for high-speed internet as service providers cry foul (The Guardian, Jan. 29, 2015)
 
CWA Commends FCC Action on Broadband Speed (CWA news release, Jan. 29, 2015)