Hey there, my fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got some exciting news to share with you all. The FCC has finally updated its definition of “broadband” speed, raising the bar to 100 megabits per second for downloads and 20 megabits per second for uploads. This is a huge leap from the previous standard of 25Mbps/3Mbps that had been in place since 2015.

It’s interesting to see how far we’ve come since FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel first advocated for this change almost a decade ago. The new definition will not only impact how the FCC measures broadband access but also how it regulates and funds initiatives to expand internet coverage across the US.

According to the FCC, nearly 28% of Americans in rural areas still don’t have access to wired internet that meets these new standards. This highlights the ongoing challenges in bridging the digital divide, which goes beyond just speed to include factors like affordability and latency.

The FCC’s press release also shared some eye-opening statistics about the current state of broadband access in the US, including millions of Americans who lack access to both fixed and mobile high-speed internet services. These numbers underscore the urgent need for continued efforts to improve connectivity nationwide.

This shift in broadband definition was made possible by the FCC’s Democratic majority, a change that only recently occurred during President Biden’s term. With a full commission now in place, we can expect more decisive actions to address the digital infrastructure needs of our country.