FCC drops gigabit broadband speed goal

August 20, 2026 at 10:38 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has abandoned the agency's long-term goal of gigabit download and half-gigabit upload speeds, a target set during the Biden administration. The decision is part of a broader FCC broadband report that says speeds, competition, and prices have improved. The move follows Carr's 2025 threat to kill the goal and the FCC's claim that long-term technology and consumer preferences cannot be predicted.

Key Facts

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ended the Biden-era target of gigabit download and 500 Mbps upload speeds nationwide.
The FCC raised its broadband definition from 25/3 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps in 2024.
The FCC's broadband report claims speeds, competition, and prices have improved.
Ars Technica reported that some FCC findings were sourced from industry lobby groups and omitted adverse advocacy research.
The Guardian reported that Brendan Carr has close ties to the White House and right-wing media.

Gigabit Goal Abandoned

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has abandoned the long-term broadband speed goal set during the Biden administration, ending targets of 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload. The FCC said it is impossible to predict long-term technological developments and the evolution of consumer preferences. The decision is included in a broader FCC broadband report that says speeds are up, competition is up, and prices are down. The FCC raised the broadband standard from 25/3 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps in 2024.

Industry Influence and Context

Ars Technica reported that some FCC insights are sourced from industry lobby groups and no adverse research from advocacy groups. The Guardian reported that Brendan Carr has close ties to the White House and right-wing media. Comcast said 13 years ago that Americans do not need gigabit internet. Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai previously said speeds above 25 Mbps were unnecessary.