What Is Broadband? 

What Is Broadband? 

Is your internet connection considered broadband? The answer might surprise you.

With remote work, 4K streaming, smart refrigerators, camera doorbells, three teenagers using their phones at the same time, and a dozen other devices draining your bandwidth, your connection might not be cutting it.

The FCC responded to this boom of draining devices by dramatically increasing broadband speed requirements, leaving many connections in the dust. We’re breaking down what qualifies as broadband today and why it matters for your daily internet use. Oh, and how to find a faster, better internet provider available at your address.

What is Broadband Internet?

Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that stays connected at all times. Unlike the dial-up connections of the 1990s that tied up your phone line and performed at snail speeds, broadband delivers fast, always-on connectivity through various technologies.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the official benchmark for what qualifies as broadband. As of 2024, the FCC defines broadband as internet service delivering at least 100 Mbps (megabits per second) download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds. This is a four-fold increase from the previous standard of 25/3 Mbps set in 2015 [1].

Why the increase? Americans now stream 4K video, participate in video conferences, game online, and connect multiple smart devices simultaneously. The old standard couldn’t keep pace with modern households’ needs.

How Does Broadband Work?

Broadband transmits data across a wide bandwidth, allowing multiple signals and traffic types to travel simultaneously. Several technologies can deliver broadband to your home.

Fiber

Fiber-optic internet uses thin glass strands to transmit data as pulses of light. It’s the fastest option available, typically reaching speeds of 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) and higher (up to 10 Gbps in some areas). Fiber networks are expanding rapidly, with over 88 million U.S. homes now having access to fiber internet [2].

Cable

Cable internet runs through the same coaxial cables that deliver cable television. It offers widespread availability and speeds typically ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Cable remains the most common broadband type, serving approximately 60% of U.S. broadband subscribers (as of December 2023) [3]. Cable is declining as the most common broadband option as fiber expands.

DSL

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) delivers internet through existing telephone lines. This option is widely available in rural areas, but DSL offers slower speeds than cable and fiber—usually between 25 and 100 Mbps—making it the minimum broadband option in many underserved communities.

Fixed Wireless

Fixed wireless internet sends signals from towers to receivers installed at your home. It’s a great option for rural areas where wired infrastructure doesn’t exist. Companies like T-Mobile and Verizon have expanded fixed wireless home internet services, offering average speeds of 50 to 300 Mbps.

Satellite

Satellite internet reaches virtually anywhere, which is why this connection type is so valuable for remote locations. Recent innovations from providers like Starlink have dramatically improved satellite speeds, now reaching 50 to 200 Mbps in many areas.

Why Broadband Speed Matters

Speed determines what you can do online. Here’s what different broadband speeds enable:

100 Mbps handles streaming HD video on multiple devices, video conferencing, and online gaming for a household of 3-4 people. This baseline broadband speed works for most families with typical internet usage.

300 Mbps supports 4K streaming on several devices simultaneously, faster downloads, and smooth performance for households with 5-6 users or heavy internet demands.

500-1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) powers large households, supports remote workers with frequent large file uploads, caters to serious gamers, and enables smart home ecosystems with dozens of connected devices.

Upload speed deserves equal attention. When you video conference, upload files to the cloud, or livestream content, upload speeds determine if you can do it seamlessly or if you’ll descend into a buffering-induced tantrum. The FCC’s 20 Mbps upload minimum ensures these activities work smoothly, though power users benefit from higher upload speeds.

The digital divide

Who Lacks Broadband Access?

Despite broadband’s importance, millions of Americans lack access to reliable high-speed internet. According to the FCC’s 2024 broadband availability report, approximately 22 million Americans lack access to broadband meeting the 100/20 Mbps standard [4].

Rural areas face the steepest challenges. While 98% of urban Americans have access to broadband, only 77% of rural residents can access these speeds [5]. The infrastructure costs of running fiber or cable lines to sparsely populated areas make deployment economically challenging for internet providers. Low-income urban neighborhoods also struggle with limited options and affordability barriers, even when infrastructure exists nearby.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $65 billion to expand broadband access nationwide, with programs specifically targeting underserved rural and tribal communities [6]. These federal investments aim to bridge the digital divide by incentivizing internet providers to build infrastructure in unprofitable areas.

What Can You Do with Broadband Internet?

Work and School

Online education and remote work require reliable broadband. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom recommend minimum speeds of 25 Mbps for group calls, but 100 Mbps ensures smooth performance even with multiple family members online simultaneously.

Entertainment

Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Disney+, etc., dominates broadband usage in many households. A household streaming on multiple TVs, tablets, and phones needs substantially more bandwidth—making the 100 Mbps broadband standard essential.

Online gaming demands both speed and low latency. Modern games require 50-100 Mbps for optimal performance, especially for multiplayer games where milliseconds matter.

Health

Telehealth services have exploded in popularity, with virtual doctor visits becoming routine. These appointments require stable connections of at least 25 Mbps for clear video and audio.

Smart Home

Smart home devices connect everything from thermostats to security cameras to your network. A fully equipped smart home might have 20-50 connected devices—all competing for bandwidth.

Broadband’s Impact on Communities and Economic Development

Broadband infrastructure shapes economic opportunity and community development. Regions with robust broadband attract businesses, support remote work, and offer residents better access to education and healthcare.

Studies show that expanding broadband access increases property values. Fiber Broadband Association’s 2023 research found that fiber brought 4.9% in home value, a 3.2% increase for condos, and 12.8% increase in rent locations with fiber [7]. Businesses increasingly choose locations based on broadband availability, particularly in tech and knowledge-based industries.

Educational outcomes improve with broadband access. Students with home internet access perform better academically and have higher college attendance rates. The pandemic starkly revealed this “homework gap," with millions of students lacking reliable internet for remote learning.

Healthcare access expands through telemedicine, especially benefiting rural residents who previously traveled hours for specialist appointments. Mental health services, chronic disease management, and prescription consultations now happen via broadband connections.

Ready to upgrade your connection?

How to Get Broadband

Finding the right broadband connection starts with understanding your options. Internet providers vary significantly by location, with some areas offering multiple choices while others have limited competition.

Check availability in your area by entering your zip code here. 

Compare internet providers on several factors beyond just speed. Consider:

• Actual available speeds at your address
• Monthly costs and promotional pricing
• Data caps or unlimited plans
• Contract requirements and early termination fees
• Equipment costs and rental fees
• Customer service reputation

Understand the difference between advertised and actual speeds. Providers advertise “up to" certain speeds, but real-world performance often falls short during peak usage times. Read customer reviews specifically mentioning speed consistency.

Consider bundling. Many internet providers offer discounts when you bundle internet with phone or TV services. Calculate whether bundles actually save money or just add services you don’t need.

Look for low-income programs, like the ones from T-Mobile and Breezeline. Additional cheap internet options can be found here.

Find the Best Broadband Internet in Your Area

Ready to upgrade your internet connection or find out which broadband options serve your location? Don’t settle for slow speeds or overpay for service that doesn’t meet your needs.

Enter your zip code below to compare internet providers near you. You’ll see available speeds, pricing, and plans from all providers serving your address. Whether you need basic broadband for browsing and streaming or gigabit speeds for a connected household, you’ll find options that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Comparing internet providers takes minutes and could save you hundreds of dollars annually while getting faster, more reliable service. See what’s available at your address today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between broadband and WiFi?

Broadband is your internet connection from your provider to your home, while WiFi is the wireless network that distributes that internet connection to devices within your home. You need broadband service first, then a router creates the WiFi network.

Is 100 Mbps broadband fast enough for my household?

For most households of 3-4 people with typical usage—streaming, browsing, video calls, and light gaming—100 Mbps broadband works well. However, if you have 5+ people, frequently upload large files, stream 4K on multiple devices simultaneously, or have extensive smart home devices, consider 300-500 Mbps for better performance.

Why don’t I get the broadband speeds I’m paying for?

Several factors affect actual speeds: WiFi signal strength, distance from your router, outdated equipment, network congestion during peak hours, and the number of connected devices. Try connecting directly to your router with an Ethernet cable to test if your broadband connection delivers promised speeds, or if internal WiFi issues cause slowdowns. Contact your provider if wired speeds consistently fall short.

Sources

[1] Docs.fcc.gov. “DOC-401205A1"

[2] Fiberbroadband.org. “US Home Fiber Deployments Top 88m Homes Passed"

[3] Benton.org. “More Third Americans Have Access to One or No Broadband Providers"

[4] Route-fifty.com. “New FCC Broadband Standard Increases Number Underserved Households America"

[5] PMC.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. “Articles"

[6] Broadbandusa.ntia.gov. “NTIAS Role Implementing Broadband Provisions 2021"

[7] Fiberbroadband.org. “Fiber Broadband Driving Home Sales and Value"