Your Broadband Internet Technically Isn't Broadband Anymore

Recently, the FCC (the Federal Communications Commission) has given a fresh definition of high-speed internet and there are chances are that your current connection is not according to the standards. The Federal Communications Commission was given the task of overseeing the regulations and rules, which govern the internet. They have now raised the standard for broadband to nearly 25 megabits per second from what it used to be at 4 Mbps. The upload speed has been increased from 1 Mbps to 3 Mbps.

What the report says? 

According to the reports, while dissenting Republican commissioners have blasted the new move stating it as over reaction, the other commissioners have voted 3 to 2 in support of the change. These changes came into limelight when FCC published their 2015 Broadband Progress Report. This progress report is used by Congress to assess the US broadband market.

The main meaning behind the new definition indicates that the millions of American customers who have subscribed for the internet services but receiving less than 25 Mbps will no longer be considered as "broadband" subscribers. The average speed of service that can be expected in America is around 10 Mbps. Going by the standards the agency identified that in the report it has been highlighted that the current broadband speed is never delivered at a timely manner.

According to the agency’s report, 17 percent of the population or 55 million Americans have no access to the advanced broadband services. Most of the rural areas have no access to such high speeds. The report also indicated that nearly 53 percent of rural Americans lack broadband and do not have the download speeds of 25 Mbps.

A controversial decision: 

This decision has put Chairman Tom Wheeler, who is a Democrat, appointed by President Barack Obama, against Ajit Pai and Michael O'Rielly, the two Republicans on the commission, who were selected by the Republican-controlled Congress, into a very bad state. According to Wheeler, this change is an inspirational target in accordance with the marketing claims of broadband providers and increasing demands of the customers. According to the other counterparts, this move is completely over reaction and a broadband should be considered as what actually a consumer can buy.

Strong viewpoints: 

Consumers are happy with this decision. This decision was also applauded by the Communications Workers of America union. But on the other hand, the conservative groups derided this decision. According to FCC's Republican commissioners, the broadband vote looks to be a setup for the agency's for settling the Net neutrality fight with new regulations and also force the local municipalities to build new laws and their own Internet networks.

At the center of the et neutrality debate, there is an option for a new rule that will help in reclassifying the broadband under the Telecommunications Act as Title II service. The FCC is expected to allow two new rules that will supersede state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee, which actually forbids municipalities from constructing or expanding broadband networks.