What is Broadband Internet?

Broadband internet is high-speed internet that meets minimum speed standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As of March 14, 2024, broadband is defined as having download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps. These updated benchmarks replace the older 25/3 Mbps standard from 2015.

Main Types of Broadband Internet:

• Fiber Optic Internet: Sends data through fiber-optic cables using light. It’s the fastest and most reliable type of broadband, with speeds up to 10 Gbps. However, it’s not available everywhere and may cost more to install.
• Wireless Home Internet: Uses cell towers and signals like 4G LTE or 5G to deliver internet. It’s useful in areas without wired connections, but performance may drop if you’re far from a tower or have physical obstacles in the way.
• Satellite Internet: Uses satellites to beam internet signals to your home. It’s available almost anywhere, which makes it great for remote areas. The downside? It can be slower, have more delays (latency), and be affected by bad weather.
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Uses copper phone lines to deliver internet. It’s widely available, especially in rural areas, but it’s slower than cable or fiber. Speed depends on how far you are from the provider’s central office.
• Cable Internet: Runs through the same coaxial cables as cable TV. It offers faster speeds than DSL and is common in cities and suburbs. Speeds can reach up to 1 Gbps or more.

If you’re used to fast internet like 1 Gig or even 100 Mbps, slower speeds can feel frustrating. But for millions of Americans, especially in rural areas, broadband access is still out of reach. In fact, over 26 million people in the U.S. don’t have access to broadband, especially in and it’s particularly hard to get in rural areas.