Demystifying broadband and mobile speeds

This post about mobile and broadband speeds Originally appeared on CoSN's blog and is republished here with permission.

Key points:

In today's digital age, understanding mobile and broadband speeds is crucial for school administrators and educators to ensure students have access to adequate Internet connectivity.

This article aims to clarify key terms, analyze recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) changes to minimum speed requirements, and explore how school districts can use this information to address the digital divide.

Key Terms

• Upload speed in kbps:Kilobits per second (kbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer speed. Upload speed refers to the speed at which data is sent from a user's device to the Internet. Higher upload speeds are important for tasks such as video conferencing and sharing large files.
• Download speed in kbpsDownload speed is the speed at which a user's device receives data from the Internet. A higher download speed is critical for streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing the web.
• Latency:Latency is the delay between a user's action and the network's response. Lower latency is essential for real-time applications such as video calling and online gaming. High latency can cause noticeable delays and a poor user experience.

FCC Minimum Speed ​​Requirements

In March 2024, the FCC raised the benchmark for broadband speed for the first time in nearly a decade:

• Fixed broadband: 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (previously 25/3 Mbps)
• Mobile broadband: 35 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload (new category)
• Schools: 1 Gbps per 1000 students and staff (previously 500 Mbps)

The FCC also set a long-term target of 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload for fixed broadband. These new standards will be used to determine whether broadband is being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner.

Mobile speeds vs. broadband

Mobile broadband relies on cellular networks to deliver Internet access to devices such as smartphones and tablets. It offers portability, but may have lower speeds and higher latency compared to fixed broadband. Fixed broadband, such as cable, fiber, or fixed wireless, delivers Internet access to a specific location. It typically offers higher speeds, lower latency, and more reliability than mobile broadband.

Addressing the digital divide

School districts can use the FCC’s new speed benchmarks to assess the adequacy of internet access for students and staff. By identifying areas with insufficient broadband coverage, districts can prioritize resources and partnerships to improve connectivity. The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) offers a Digital Equity Dashboard that helps districts visualize and analyze data related to the digital divide. The dashboard includes information on broadband access, device availability, and digital literacy. By leveraging this tool, administrators can make data-driven decisions to promote digital equity.

Conclusion

Understanding broadband and mobile speeds is critical for school administrators and educators to ensure students have the internet access needed for learning. Recent FCC changes to minimum speed requirements provide a framework for assessing connectivity needs. By using tools like CoSN’s Digital Equity Dashboard, districts can identify gaps and take steps to close the digital divide.