The FCC announced it is abandoning its previous gigabit-speed broadband goals, arguing that such targets unfairly disadvantage slower technologies like satellite and fixed wireless. The agency stated that approximately 94 percent of Americans had access to fixed wireline service at the 100/20 Mbps benchmark as of mid-2025, rising to 99.7 percent when including satellite coverage.

The updated report focuses solely on infrastructure availability rather than affordability or usability, a shift criticized by some commissioners. The FCC cited industry lobbying groups and third-party analyses indicating declining broadband prices, while excluding advocacy research suggesting price increases.

Commissioner Gomez objected to omitting affordability from the analysis, arguing it undermines the goal of universal connectivity. She also challenged the 99.7 percent deployment figure, noting that satellite services like Starlink face physical limitations, capacity constraints, and regional congestion that can severely impact performance.

FCC Chair Carr framed the findings as evidence of successful Trump-era policies, claiming increased access, rising speeds, falling prices, and intensifying competition across broadband markets.