FCC abolishes gigabit speed goal, suggesting it is unfair to slower technologies
The FCC has officially abolished the long-term goal of 1Gbps broadband speeds, arguing that the standard was not technologically neutral. The commission now suggests that current deployment levels are acceptable, moving away from the previous administration's focus on high-speed fiber benchmarks.
Why it matters
This policy shift signals a change in federal regulatory priorities regarding internet infrastructure and the definition of adequate broadband access.
Slow it down FCC abolishes gigabit speed goal, suggesting it is unfair to slower technologies FCC decides 1Gbps is too fast, standard must be “technologically neutral.”
50 Credit: Getty Images | UCG Credit: Getty Images | UCG Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The Federal Communications Commission last week eliminated the gigabit speed goal established during the Biden administration and declared that current levels of broadband deployment in the US are acceptable. Though fiber networks have routinely offered such speeds for years, the FCC said the gigabit speed goal is not “technologically neutral,” suggesting that it isn’t fair to other, slower technologies.
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