The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially decided that gigabit speeds are too good for America, a move that leaves many questioning the government’s ambition in broadband development. How can it be that 13 years after Comcast proclaimed Americans don’t need gigabit internet, we’re still having this conversation?

It took years for the FCC to admit that their outdated definition of 'broadband' was inadequate. Now, under Chair Brendan Carr, they are lowering the bar yet again. The argument? ‘Predicting long-term technological developments is impossible.' But who would choose slower internet if faster options exist? This decision reads as peak regulatory arrogance.

Despite this setback, the FCC’s report claims that broadband speeds and competition have improved. However, as Ars Technica notes, these insights are often from industry lobby groups rather than independent research. The abandonment of the gigabit speed goal seems more about protecting pet projects like satellite internet rather than public interest.

The FCC's decision is part of a broader pattern under Carr’s leadership. He has reportedly been exceptionally cozy with the White House and right-wing media, making it easy to suspect that this move prioritises industry interests over genuine improvement for consumers.