FCC Posts Updated Broadband Benchmarks

The FCC Wireline Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Tuesday updated the 2024 reasonable comparability benchmarks for fixed broadband services for eligible telecom carriers subject to broadband public interest obligations. “The Bureau and Office determined there was an error in calculation of the broadband rates,” said a Tuesday notice in docket 10-90. “We have posted revised broadband rates and explanatory notes,” the FCC said: “The reasonable comparability benchmark for voice services and the required minimum usage allowance for fixed broadband remain the same as announced previously.” Based on survey results, the 2024 urban average monthly rate is $34.27, said a Dec. 15 notice: “The reasonable comparability benchmark for voice services, two standard deviations above the urban average, is $55.13.”