What is Broadband?

Broadband refers to various high-capacity transmission technologies used to transmit data, voice, and video across long distances and at high speeds. Common mediums of transmission include coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, and radio waves. Broadband is always connected and removes the need for dial-up. Its importance is far-reaching; it allows for high-quality and quick access to information, teleconferencing, data transmission, and more in various capacities, from healthcare to education to technological development.

Key Takeaways:

• The term broadband is used to describe high-speed and high-bandwidth communication infrastructure.
• It is commonly used in relation to high-speed internet services, which have become increasingly important both to consumers and governments.
• New innovations in satellite-based broadband services could potentially broaden the scope of access throughout the world.
• There are six main types of broadband technologies: digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite, and broadband over powerlines (BPL).
• The bulk of internet users (92.6%) across the globe access broadband through their mobile phones.

Understanding Broadband

the discussion of broadband often centers on high-speed internet access. Historically, broadband internet was defined as being faster than a traditional dial-up internet connection. However, it is now common for more precise definitions to be required. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled in 2015 that, to be considered broadband internet, the service must offer download and upload speeds of at least 25 and 3 megabits per second, respectively.