FCC Scraps Biden-Era Gigabit Broadband Speed Goal

The Federal Communications Commission has eliminated long-term broadband speed goals established under the Biden administration, according to The Verge. The prior targets aimed to eventually bring gigabit download and half-gigabit upload speeds nationwide.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had signaled the move in 2025 and has now followed through, The Verge reported. The decision was included within a broader broadband report in which the agency stated that speeds are increasing, competition is rising, and prices are falling.

The Verge noted that the FCC justified dropping the gigabit goal by stating it is impossible to predict long-term technological developments and shifts in consumer preferences. The outlet also cited Ars Technica, which reported that some data underlying the FCC’s broader report came from industry lobby groups, without corresponding research from advocacy organizations.

The move follows a history of FCC broadband speed standard changes. The agency’s definition of broadband was raised from 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up to 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up in 2024, reversing a standard set under former Chairman Ajit Pai, who had previously stated that faster speeds were not necessary, The Verge said.

The Verge suggested the FCC’s decision to drop the gigabit goal may reflect industry influence, noting that The Guardian separately reported the same day on Carr’s close ties to the White House and right-wing media outlets.

The FCC’s action affects federal policy benchmarks for broadband deployment and could influence future rulemaking on infrastructure investment and service standards across the United States.

Based on reporting by www.theverge.com.