Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC Launches Inquiry for Annual Broadband Progress Report
Washington, D.C. (August 6, 2015) – In preparation for its annual assessment of U.S. broadband 
deployment, the Federal Communications Commission has launched an inquiry seeking comment 
on whether consumer access to both mobile and fixed broadband should now be the standard by 
which to make this judgement.
Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the FCC to make an annual 
assessment of whether broadband is being deployed to all Americans on a reasonable and timely 
basis. Based on an assessment of fixed broadband availability, the 2015 Broadband Progress 
Report, released in early February this year, determined that deployment was not reasonable and 
timely, finding that nearly 55 million Americans did not have access to broadband capable of 
delivering high-quality voice, data, graphics and video offerings. 
The Notice of Inquiry adopted by the Commission today notes that Americans increasingly use 
both fixed and mobile broadband, but for different purposes.  While fixed terrestrial broadband 
service can have advantages for high-capacity home use, mobile broadband has become 
increasingly important for many uses, including connecting on social media, navigating during 
travel, communicating with family and friends, receiving timely news updates, and more.
In the event mobile broadband is added to the assessment, the FCC is seeking comment on what 
speed of service should serve as the benchmark for assessing availability. The FCC is also 
proposing to consider the availability of fixed satellite broadband in its annual assessment of
fixed broadband availability.
Today’s Notice of Inquiry further seeks comment on whether to consider standards beyond speed 
when assessing broadband deployment, including latency and consistency of service. And it asks 
whether to consider factors beyond physical deployment, including pricing and data allowances, 
privacy, and broadband adoption.
Previous Broadband Progress Reports are available at https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/archive-
released-broadband-progress-notices-inquiry
Action by the Commission, August 6, 2015, by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 15-101). Chairman 
Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving. Commissioner Pai approving in 
part and dissenting in part. Commissioner O’Rielly approving in part and concurring in 
part. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing 
statements.
GN Docket No. 15-191
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a 
Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 
1974).