FCC drops gigabit benchmark, cites fairness to slower broadband technologies

The Federal Communications Commission announced on August 14 that it is discarding the long-term gigabit speed objective introduced in its 2024 broadband standards. Chairman Brendan Carr, who has opposed the metric, said the goal was not technologically neutral and could unfairly penalize slower platforms such as satellite and fixed wireless. The FCC’s order referenced Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, noting that the statute does not require a specific long-term speed target.

Comments from cable trade group NCTA and wireless association CTIA were referenced as backing the move. While the agency retained the 2024 benchmark of 100 Mbps down/20 Mbps up, it removed the 1 Gbps/500 Mbps aspirational figure. The change was presented as a step toward a more balanced evaluation of broadband deployment across all technologies.