FCC to consider changing definition of broadband, raising download and upload speed requirements

As of writing, to be defined as high-speed Internet (broadband), your connection must have just a 4 Mbps down stream.

While a decade ago that may have been considered fast, such a low speed now hardly qualifies, especially with the rise of HD streaming. Netflix, for example requires a 5 Mbps connection for HD-quality streaming.

The FCC appears to agree, and has begun considering changing the definition of "broadband" into the future. The agency will be soliciting comments on whether broadband should be defined as 10 Mbps or higher, and in one extreme measure, 25 Mbps. Uploads speeds are also affected, with the standard moving to 2.9 Mbps, up from 1 Mbps.

In addition, the FCC will also look to see if they should adopt a tiered set of definitions for different regions or for different parts of the day, where requirements may be harder to meet.

In 2012, 6 percent of Americans lacked broadband, but that number will likely be significantly higher if the rules change.

Source:
WaPo

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 1 Jun 2014 11:46

mightyzog

I'm all for anything that gets these crooked ISP to start giving customers the speed that they advertise.

1.6.2014 16:39 #1

DarthMopar

DSL companies are gonna scream bloody murder over this. lol

1.6.2014 16:51 #2

hearme0

Originally posted by DarthMopar: DSL companies are gonna scream bloody murder over this. lol Yeah.....during their own execution.

Uverse in Chicagoland is 24Mpbs down and about 1.6 up. Great download but slow assed upload.

2.6.2014 14:00 #3

Tarsellis

Originally posted by mightyzog: I'm all for anything that gets these crooked ISP to start giving customers the speed that they advertise. Common Carrier status, that's the only thing left. Shouldn't have to, but the crookedness from the top to bottom and the government enforcement (monopoly of and threat of use of force) protecting the incumbents and status quo forces use to use their own rules.

Sure, you can call my connection "broadband" all day long, claim I get 25x5 (entirely possible on most vdsl circuits). ut you can still do what is done, never deliver, and throttle competition.

10.6.2014 21:00 #4

Jemborg

Quote: In addition, the FCC will also look to see if they should adopt a tiered set of definitions for different regions or for different parts of the day, where requirements may be harder to meet. I'm wondering if that will just muddy the waters. Perhaps a star system out of five is a better simpler solution for comparison between ISPs and their plans.

It's what they are thinking of doing as regards to the healthiness of food in Oz because the complex nutritional info on the packaging is frankly baffling to the ordinary consumer.

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

DSE VZ300-
Zilog Z80 CPU, 32KB RAM (16K+16K cartridge), video processor 6847, 2KB video RAM, 16 colours (text mode), 5.25" FDD

11.6.2014 03:02 #5

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