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Ars Technica
FCC abolishes gigabit speed goal, suggesting it is unfair to slower technologies
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the elimination of the gigabit speed goal, which was established during the Biden administration. The FCC stated that this previous target was not 'technologically neutral' and unfair to slower broadband technologies. The new benchmarks set for broadband are 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads. The move reflects a change in approach to broadband planning and acknowledges the need to adapt standards in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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Published 19 Aug 2026, 19:55 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Gigabit speed goal abolished by the FCC.
- New broadband benchmarks set at 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream.
- FCC cites fairness to slower technologies as a reason for the decision.
- Chairman Brendan Carr previously proposed the change.
- The decision was finalized on August 14 in the latest broadband deployment report.
Interesting facts
- The original gigabit speed goal aimed to encourage deployment of fiber networks.
- Comments from industry groups influenced the FCC's decision to abolish the goal.
- The FCC aims for technological neutrality in assessing broadband speed.