FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel's proposal to increase minimum speeds (read press release), circulated last week to commission members, proposes to give the public faster broadband service.
Rosenworcel writes,
“The needs of internet users long ago surpassed the FCC’s 25/3 speed metric, especially during a global health pandemic that moved so much of life online,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “The 25/3 metric isn’t just behind the times, it’s a harmful one because it masks the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are being left behind and left offline. That’s why we need to raise the standard for minimum broadband speeds now and while also aiming even higher for the future, because we need to set big goals if we want everyone everywhere to have a fair shot at 21st century success.”
But as Ars Technica's Jon Brodkin points out in FCC chair proposes new US broadband standard of 100Mbps down, 20Mbps up, “The proposal requires a vote, and the commission is still deadlocked with two Democrats and two Republicans as the Senate continues its inaction on Biden nominee Gigi Sohn.”
Some comments on the AT article and on Hacker News resonate here on the Northern Neck:
- “We just got 25ish. Luckily they are building out rural broadband in SW Ontario and are starting to dig in our area. It will be a life changer. Would have been great 2 years ago when I was looking for work.” (AT)
- “The problem, in the USA for most people, is Comcast.
Downspeed hardly matters. It's been plenty for decades. Upload speed has stagnated. I uploaded as fast in 2003 as I do now in 2022. And as others have said, it's not so much about 1 fast provider as many providers and choice. In my comcast monopoly my plan started at $60/mo in 2011 and without any changes on my end and no change in my upload speed that price has increased to it's current $105/mo. In addition to the price increases they've implemented a new system of total data transfer limits ((up/down)+internal overhead) meaning even if I could have a faster connection it'd mean nothing if I used it in the first week and then got hit with multiple $10 overage "fees".
But I don't have a choice. It doesn't matter how good, or bad, Comcast is. They're the only game in town.” (HN)
Response: “To extend that, Comcast is on my street but refuses to run a line up to my house because they consider it to be too cost prohibitive. At the same time, they block anyone else from making money in my region. I'm stuck with whatever cell signal I can acquire and that is as good as 5mbps during the day and might double that at night on a clear evening.” (HN)
Response: “somewhat cynical, but I think effective. Look into wireless internet service provider gear and mesh networks. It won't be faster than Comcast. 50Mbit maybe. Make flyers and talk to your neighbors. Call around and ask about pricing for fiber backhauls. Of course you don't want to run your own ISP. But, you could. It's not really that hard. Your neighbors could chip in for gear and be part owners. or a co-op or whatever. If you can create a plausible threat to the $5000 a month they're collecting around you, I suspect they'll greatly enhance performance in your area, and might even offer to connect you up.” (HN)
Response: “What a nightmare. What if we had to do this for everything. Hey everyone hook up to my rainwater collector. Don’t forget to refuel the generator. Sorry it’s so loud. Keep digging, we have to put the trash somewhere!
The Internet is a utility.” (HN)