FCC Says 96.9% of Americans Can Get 100/20 Broadband as 5G Coverage Nears 95%
Updated
Updated · Advanced Television · Aug 17
FCC Says 96.9% of Americans Can Get 100/20 Broadband as 5G Coverage Nears 95%
2 articles · Updated · Advanced Television · Aug 17
Summary
A new FCC Section 706 report found advanced telecommunications capability is reaching Americans in a “reasonable and timely” way, with 96.9% now able to access fixed terrestrial broadband at 100/20 Mbps.
From June 2024 to June 2025, the number of Americans lacking that level of service fell about 23%, extending the two-year decline to roughly 43% as the agency credited stronger competition and Trump-era policies.
Rural access improved sharply as well: the share of rural Americans without 100/20 Mbps fixed terrestrial broadband dropped more than 44% over two years, while satellite inclusion pushed rural availability close to universal.
Mobile and pricing data supported the FCC’s case, with nearly 95% of homes and businesses covered by 35/3 Mbps 5G, wireless download speeds up 51% in 2025, and postpaid unlimited plan prices down 10% over the last year.
The agency tied the gains to its Build America agenda, saying it has approved $130 billion in deals since January 2025 and expanded fixed wireless coverage so that 23 states now have more than half of locations served at 100/20 Mbps.