1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov July 12, 2021Raising the Minimum Fixed Broadband Speed Benchmark: Background and Selected IssuesThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrated the impact that broadband (i.e., high-speed internet access)or a lack thereofhas on daily life. Broadband serv
2、ice is provided over many types of technologies, including cable, telephone wire, fiber, satellite, and mobile and fixed wireless. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set a minimum fixed broadband speed that serves as the benchmark for its determination whether broadband “is being deploy
3、ed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.” It is directed to make this determination by Section 706(b) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104) (Section 706 hereinafter). If its determination is negative, the FCC is directed to take action to accelerate deployment through t
4、he establishment of new broadband programs or to use regulatory tools to remove barriers to infrastructure investment and competition. Currently, the FCCs minimum fixed broadband speed benchmark is 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloading and 3 Mbps for uploading data, commonly referred to as “