Broadband
A high-speed internet connection that provides always-on access. The FCC defines broadband as at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
What broadband means
Broadband refers to high-speed internet that stays connected all the time, as opposed to old dial-up connections that had to call a phone number each time you wanted to go online. The word comes from the fact that broadband uses a wide range of frequencies to carry more data at once.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the official definition of broadband. As of the current standard, a connection must offer at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. Many policy experts argue this threshold is outdated given how much video streaming and remote work has grown.
Broadband can be delivered over several different technologies, including DSL over phone lines, cable over coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, fixed wireless, and satellite. Each has different speed, reliability, and availability characteristics.
Why broadband matters for your connection
Access to broadband is increasingly treated as a necessity rather than a luxury. Remote workers, students using online learning platforms, and households that rely on streaming entertainment all depend on having a reliable broadband connection. Areas without broadband access are described as part of the "digital divide."
The FCC uses broadband data to make decisions about funding rural internet expansion programs. Whether your address qualifies as "served" or "underserved" can affect whether your community gets federal infrastructure investment.
Broadband at a glance
| Technology | Typical Download | Typical Upload | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSL | 10-100 Mbps | 1-20 Mbps | Widespread |
| Cable | 50-1,000 Mbps | 5-50 Mbps | Urban/suburban |
| Fiber | 100-5,000 Mbps | 100-5,000 Mbps | Growing |
| Fixed Wireless | 25-100 Mbps | 5-20 Mbps | Rural |
| Satellite | 25-220 Mbps | 3-20 Mbps | Nearly universal |
Common questions about broadband
By the current FCC definition, yes. But 25 Mbps is the floor, not a comfortable level for a household with multiple people streaming and working from home. Many households need 100 Mbps or more for smooth simultaneous use.
Broadband is a category that includes several technologies. Fiber is one type of broadband that uses glass or plastic cables to carry light pulses instead of electrical signals. Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable type of broadband available.
Fixed wireless and some mobile home internet services can qualify as broadband if they meet the speed threshold. Standard smartphone mobile data plans are typically not counted as home broadband, though 5G home internet products blur this line.
Related terms
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