Rebuilding for the vast scope of FCC responsibilities

In this final installment of the "Build Back Better with Biden FCC", we look at the broad sweep of other—yet no less important—issues which the Federal Communications Commission must deal with as the deciding actor including:

Broadband Speed: In 2015 the Obama FCC—on a 3-2 party line vote—increased the definition of “broadband” to 25 megabits per second (Mbps) into the location (the so-called “down” speed) and 3 Mbps out (“up”). The previous standard had been 4 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up. At the time, I described this as the minimum “table stakes” for viable internet speed. Today, half a dozen years later, that speed is unacceptable. As a commissioner, Trump FCC Chairman Ajit Pai opposed the 2015 increase. He refused to deal with the tremendous changes that had occurred in the intervening years or revisit the definition. In 2015, 80% of America had access to 25/3 speed. Today 80% of America has access to a speed of 1 gigabit. The Trump FCC ignored the need for updating the standard. The Biden FCC can repair that failure.