Here’s How to Tell If Your Internet Service Meets the New FCC Internet Standard
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the U.S. government agency that regulates communications, including internet services. In 2024, the FCC raised the benchmark speed for broadband to 100/20 Mbps—meaning 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds. This new standard replaced the older definition of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, which is now considered outdated for modern internet use.
How is the average person affected by the FCC changing these standards? What’s in it for you? By updating the broadband standard, the FCC sets a higher bar for acceptable internet. This standard impacts how well your connection supports streaming, gaming, remote work, and online learning (provided your internet service meets these benchmarks).
If your service doesn’t meet these speeds, it may be time to upgrade, and ISPs will be under pressure to improve their offerings.
The FCC’s New Broadband Definition
In 2024, the FCC raised the benchmark speed for broadband to 100/20 Mbps. To qualify as broadband, an internet connection must now provide 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
What Does 100 Mbps Download Mean?
Download speed determines how fast you can receive data from the internet. The FCC’s new benchmark of 100 Mbps download is a step up from the older 25 Mbps standard, but it’s still considered a baseline for modern usage.
With 100 Mbps, you can:
- Stream high-definition movies on one or two devices without buffering.
- Download moderate-sized files at a reasonable speed.
- Handle basic online gaming, though it may struggle with lag or slowdowns when connecting multiple devices.
For households with more devices, heavy gamers, or those who stream in 4K, we recommend speeds much higher than 100 Mbps. Plans like 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 1 Gbps (offered by fiber internet providers like Race Communications) provide the reliability and bandwidth needed for lag-free gaming, multiple users, and seamless high-definition streaming.
What Does 20 Mbps Upload Mean?
Upload speed determines how fast you can send data to the internet. The FCC’s new benchmark of 20 Mbps upload is a significant improvement over the older standard of 3 Mbps, but it’s still a minimum requirement for today’s online activities.
With 20 Mbps upload, you can:
- Host or join video calls in HD quality with minimal interruptions.
- Share moderate-sized files or videos to cloud storage or social media.
- Operate a few smart home devices reliably.
However, 20 Mbps upload is still considered a minimum standard. Faster upload speeds are essential for smoother performance, especially if you have multiple users or devices.
Unlike many providers, our fiber internet plans offer symmetrical speeds, where upload speeds match download speeds.
Whether you choose 300 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or even faster plans, you’ll experience:
- Seamless, buffer-free video calls.
- Lightning-fast uploads for large files and videos.
- Reliable performance for all your connected devices, even during peak hours.
If you rely on your connection for work, streaming, or smart home technology, upgrading to symmetrical speeds makes all the difference.
Does Your Internet Meet the New FCC Standard?
Checking if your internet meets the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps benchmark is simple. All you need is an internet-connected device and a reliable speed test tool. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run a speed test.
You can use free tools to measure your internet speeds, such as the Race Communications speed test.
Run the test on a device connected to your home Wi-Fi or ethernet. Make sure no one else is streaming or downloading during the test for the most accurate results.
Step 2: Understand your results.
When you run a speed test, you’ll see several metrics. Here’s what each one means and how to interpret it:
- Download speed measures how fast your device receives data from the internet.
- Upload speed shows how fast your device sends data to the internet.
- Ping (latency) measures how long data travels from your device to the server and back in milliseconds (ms). A lower ping means a more responsive connection, crucial for gaming and video calls. A good ping is usually below 20 ms for most tasks.
- Jitter measures the variability in your connection’s response time. High jitter can cause disruptions, such as delays in video calls or glitches in gaming. Ideally, the jitter should be under 30 ms for a stable connection.
Before comparing your results to the FCC’s standard, check the speed you’re paying for in your internet plan. If your results are far below what your ISP advertises, it could indicate an issue with your service or equipment.
Contact your provider to confirm your plan details and address any discrepancies.
Step 3: Compare to the FCC’s standards.
Now, compare your test results to the FCC’s definition of broadband:
- If your download speed is 100 Mbps or higher, you meet the benchmark.
- If your upload speed is 20 Mbps or higher, you meet the benchmark.
If either number is lower, your internet doesn’t meet the new FCC internet standard.
What to Do If Your Internet Doesn’t Meet the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps Standard
If your speed test results show that your connection doesn’t meet the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps standard, don’t worry. You can take the steps below to improve your internet performance or upgrade to a better service.
1. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Check with your ISP to confirm the speeds included in your plan.
- Ask if your area supports higher-speed plans that meet or exceed 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
- Discuss any potential issues like outdated equipment or infrastructure.
2. Upgrade your equipment.
Older routers or modems might be holding your speeds back. Make sure your equipment supports speeds that meet the FCC internet benchmark. Consider investing in:
- A router with support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6.
- A modem compatible with higher-speed plans.
3. Consider switching to fiber internet.
Fiber internet meets and often exceeds the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps standard. With faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, it’s the best option for:
- Streaming in HD or 4K on multiple devices.
- Video conferencing and remote work.
- Cloud backups and large file uploads.
If fiber internet is available in your area, order it and future-proof your connection.
4. Report your issues to the FCC.
If your internet connection doesn’t meet the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps standard and your ISP isn’t addressing the issue, you can file a complaint with the FCC. This is a formal way to let your voice be heard and push your ISP to resolve the problem.
Filing a complaint creates a formal record of your issue. Many consumers have shared success stories about how filing with the FCC helped them get faster resolutions from their ISPs.
If your ISP isn’t meeting the new FCC internet standard of 100/20 Mbps, this is a powerful way to take action.
How to File an FCC Complaint
1. Determine the issue with your internet service.
Make sure your complaint is about your internet service. Common issues include:
- Slow speeds that don’t match what you’re paying for.
- Frequent service outages or unreliable connections.
- Billing disputes, like unexpected charges or overages.
- Your privacy has been breached.
- Unresolved technical problems.
- Equipment fees or rental charges for outdated or non-functional devices.
If your concern fits into any of these categories, it’s worth filing a complaint with the FCC to have your voice heard.
2. Gather your information. Before filing a complaint, collect key details, such as:
- Your ISP’s name.
- A description of the issue (e.g., “My internet speed is consistently below 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload”).
- Supporting documentation like speed test results or service agreements.
3. File your complaint.
- Visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center.
- Select “File a Complaint” and choose the relevant category (e.g., Internet Service Issues, TV Service Issues, etc.).
- Provide all necessary details about your issue and any attempts to resolve it with your ISP.
4. What happens after I file an FCC complaint?
- The FCC reviews your complaint and forwards it to your ISP.
- Your ISP is required to respond, usually within 30 days.
- You may receive updates from the FCC or be contacted by your ISP directly to resolve the issue.
Final Thoughts
The FCC raises benchmark speed for broadband to 100/20 Mbps to keep up with today’s internet demands. A speed test can help you see if your current service meets these new standards.
If your internet doesn’t make the cut, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At Race Communications, we offer fiber internet plans ranging from 300 Mbps to an incredible 10 Gbps.
Ready to upgrade to fast, reliable, and future-proof internet? Contact Race Communications today to find the perfect plan for your online life.