FCC Scraps Gigabit Internet Goal! & How Does This Affect You?

A Not-So-Speedy Shift in Broadband Policy

On August 7, the FCC is expected to vote on a proposal that could significantly roll back federal ambitions for high-speed internet in the U.S. Spearheaded by Republican Chairman Brendan Carr, the new direction aims to eliminate the long-term goal of achieving gigabit-level broadband speeds (1,000 Mbps download / 500 Mbps upload) and shift the regulatory focus from analyzing affordability and access equity to a much simpler benchmark: whether some progress is being made in deployment.

The justification? According to Carr, holding onto lofty speed goals may unintentionally favor certain technologies (hello, fiber) over others (wave to satellite and fixed wireless), thus distorting what should be a "technologically neutral" playing field.

The 2024 FCC report under the Biden administration raised the speed benchmark to 100/20 Mbps and proposed a long-term target of 1Gbps/500Mbps. Now, Carr's FCC wants to ditch that high bar. Instead, they'll stick with 100/20 Mbps as the standard (for now) and stop tracking broadband pricing and affordability altogether.

Some say it's about modernizing policy to reflect the market. Others say it’s like lowering the basketball hoop because not everyone can dunk.

So What’s the Real Change?

Carr's proposal would:

• Eliminate the 1Gbps/500Mbps long-term speed goal
• Remove affordability and adoption metrics from FCC broadband assessments
• Focus solely on whether deployment is occurring, not if it’s available to everyone yet
• Reevaluate regulations with an eye toward deletion rather than expansion

That means ISPs offering slower (but still fast-ish) services, like satellite internet and fixed wireless, could now more easily meet FCC benchmarks and benefit from federal support programs, without having to upgrade to gigabit capabilities.

How Does This Affect Small and Medium-Sized Businesses?

Let’s Talk About the Local Coffee Shop, Not Google HQ

While giant enterprises have the clout (and cash) to run dedicated fiber lines into their buildings, small businesses often rely on whatever commercial broadband is available in their ZIP code. Here’s how this change might hit closer to home:

The Pros:

• More Providers Qualify: ISPs using satellite and fixed wireless (cheaper, easier to deploy in rural areas) may expand service thanks to looser benchmarks.
• Potential for Faster Rollouts: Lower standards may help ISPs move faster in underserved areas without waiting for fiber-grade infrastructure.

The Cons:

• Lower Speeds Become the Norm: With gigabit speeds no longer the goal, there’s less incentive for ISPs to upgrade infrastructure in areas already served by 100/20 Mbps. That means your download speeds may stagnate while your cloud app usage skyrockets.
• No Pricing Transparency: With the FCC scrapping affordability metrics, small business owners won’t have access to national comparisons or protections on fair broadband pricing.
• Uneven Playing Field: Businesses in tech hubs may enjoy lightning-fast fiber, while others are left buffering through customer Zoom calls.

How to Work Around It: Practical Moves for SMBs

Here’s how your business can stay agile, even if policy isn’t on your side:

1. Use Hybrid Connectivity: Pair your current broadband with a 5G hotspot or satellite backup to ensure service continuity.
2. Negotiate Business Packages: Even smaller ISPs now offer tiered business plans, don’t settle for consumer-grade deals.
3. Monitor Speed (and Complain Loudly): Use tools like Speedtest and submit results to the FCC’s broadband maps. Public pressure works.
4. Band Together: Local businesses can form broadband cooperatives or lobbying groups to advocate for better infrastructure.
5. Look for Grants: Stay updated on local and state broadband initiatives. Some offer funding for small businesses to improve internet access.

In Conclusion: A Slower Fast Lane?

The FCC’s rollback on gigabit goals may make life easier for certain ISPs, but it could also keep small and mid-sized businesses stuck in the digital slow lane. While this might not be a full-speed crash, it's certainly a detour from where we thought internet policy was heading.

If you're a business owner trying to future-proof your operations, the message is clear: don't wait for Washington to bring you fiber. Adapt, diversify your connectivity strategy, and stay proactive.

Contact Epoch Tech Solutions Today for a Free Consultation

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