Washington, D.C. (March 15, 2024) – The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its decision to raise the benchmark for home high-speed fixed broadband to download speeds of 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second. This update, which cites reports published by CoSN in 2021 and 2022, represents a significant and much-needed increase from the previous 25/3 Mbps benchmark set in 2015.

“We are thrilled that the FCC has recognized the critical importance of more robust home broadband for digital learning,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “The new 100/20 Mbps benchmark aligns with the broadband capacity that our research has shown to be necessary to support virtual instruction and collaboration between students and teachers.”

CoSN also welcomes the FCC’s decision to increase the short-term benchmark for schools and classrooms access to 1 Gbps per 1,000 students and staff. The 706 Report notes that only 74% of school districts meet this goal, underscoring the need for continued efforts to expand broadband access and increase speeds.

“By setting a higher benchmark for broadband speeds at home and in classrooms, the FCC is taking an important step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that all students have the connectivity they need to succeed in school and beyond,” noted Krueger.

CoSN looks forward to working with the FCC, policymakers and other stakeholders to build upon this progress and further strengthen our nation’s broadband infrastructure to support digital teaching and learning.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org