NRECA Files Comments with FCC on their Annual State of Broadband Availability Report

​​​​​On October 7, 2024, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) filed in the Federal Communications Commission’s Annual 706 Report on Broadband Availability. NRECA's comments focus on six main points:

1. Broadband consumer trends suggest that the fixed broadband speed benchmark should be 100 Mbps symmetrical. 
2. The long-term speed goal should be 1 Gbps symmetrical. 
3. The Commission should report deployment data on symmetrical speeds, even if not yet adopted as a benchmark. 
4. The Commission should use the most recent BDC dataset available.
5. Mobile service is complementary to fixed broadband, not a substitute. 
6. To ensure the goals of equitable access are met, the Commission should more clearly recognize that rurality is a main factor in broadband availability and affordability.