The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has noted in a report that 34 million Americans lack access to its minimum standard for broadband Internet. In particular, 10 percent of the country has Web speeds under 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3Mbps for uploads. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have boosted Internet speeds during the past year, but many rural homes still lack a fast Internet connection.
FCC's preliminary Broadband Report showed that 39 percent of rural homes do not have a fast enough broadband connection, according to Engadget. Meanwhile, 41 percent of tribal land homes lack any broadband Internet.
Last year FCC increased its minimum broadband standard. That was from 4Mps to 25Mbps for downloads, and 1Mbps to 3Mbps for uploads.
At that time the US ranked 25 out of 39 developed nations. The FCC's move caused trepidation among US ISPs.
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) represents big cable companies including Time Warner Cable and Comcast. It argued that the FCC's Broadband Report ignores facts and fairness in order to achieve political goals and increase its power, according to ArsTechnica.
Trade group USTelecom represents telecommunications companies including Verizon and AT&T. It also argued that the FCC is using the yearly report to increase its regulatory power.
However, consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge supported the FCC's findings. Staff Attorney Meredith Rose stated that the report examined "hard evidence" and will help to provide all Americans with quality broadband.
The FCC's final report has not been released yet. However, the federal agency has suggested that ISPs cannot replace fixed broadband speeds with mobile services, pointing out that the latter often involves fewer tasks, extra fees, or no Internet use.
The federal agency also highlighted that it has yearly provided telecoms with $1.5 billion to expand their Web access. It has also made new rules for pole attachment prices that telecom and cable companies can receive.
In the case that broadband speeds do not increase at a faster rate, the FCC could take immediate action. That is based on the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
On January 28 the FCC will vote whether or not to make changes to the Broadband Report's early version.