FCC changes broadband definition to 4mbps down and 1mbps up

The FCC has decided to redefine the term broadband.  Previously, broadband was defined as 200 kbps in each direction but to keep pace with the ever changing world of technology, they have upped the minimum speeds to 4mbps down and 1mbps up.

FCC Logo from Wikimedia Commons

This seems like a rather large jump that might cause more problems than it is worth.  While many are unlikely to notice a difference as many of the largest ISPs in the US offer even their lowest tiers above 4mbps, this is likely to cause issues in areas where 1.5mbps service, typically from DSL providers is the norm (This is the speed we have at work).  For years, ISPs have been proudly advertising 1.5 mbps as high speed and broadband and now now that is going to have to change.  This definitely throws a monkey wrench in the marketing departments of my ISPs.  While this change is likely to make ISPs more interested in upgrading their service, in the time before they do, this is likely to be confusing to customers, especially to the average joe who went from having broadband yesterday to not having it today.  Hopefully this won’t be too painful of a transition.

You can read all the details in the FCC’s broadband deployment report. [PDF warning!]

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