The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently updated its criteria for broadband internet rollout, setting a new benchmark for high-speed fixed broadband. This change, the first major revision since 2015, now requires speeds of 100 megabits per second for downloads and 20 megabits per second for uploads, a significant increase from the previous standard of 25/3 Mbps. The goal is to better meet the broadband needs of American households.
According to a report released by the FCC, as of December 2022, approximately 24 million Americans still lack access to fixed broadband internet, with 28% in rural areas and 23% on Tribal lands being affected. Additionally, about 9% of the U.S. population does not have access to minimum wireless 5G coverage at speeds of 35/3 Mbps, particularly impacting rural and Tribal areas.
Data also indicates that 45 million Americans are without both the 100/20 Mbps fixed service and the 35/3 Mbps mobile 5G service. However, when it comes to schools, there is more positive news, with 74% of school districts meeting the short-term benchmark of 1 Gbps per 1,000 students and staff.
Looking at Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, the country aims for broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. These speeds were initially higher than the previous U.S. standard but have now been surpassed by the recent FCC update. It remains to be seen if Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will follow suit and increase standards in Canada.
In Ottawa’s efforts to improve internet accessibility, their goal is to have high-speed internet available to 98% of Canadian households by 2026 and reach a full coverage of all households by 2030. Currently, approximately 93.5% of Canadian households have high-speed internet access thanks to initiatives like the $3.2 billion investment from the Universal Broadband Fund and partnerships with provinces and territories.
Just this week, the federal government along with Ontario announced $11.4 million in funding to expand high-speed internet access to over 2,600 Indigenous households in Six Nations of the Grand River community.
Phones Canada remains committed to providing you with all the latest updates on telecommunications advancements and initiatives that impact your connectivity needs. Stay tuned for more information on how these developments could affect your mobile experience!
