FCC LAUNCHES BROADBAND CONSUMER TOOLS
"Today, the Federal Communications Commission launched new digital tools
-- the Consumer Broadband Test and the Broadband Dead Zone Report -- that allow consumers
to test their broadband service and report areas where broadband is not available.
“Transparency empowers consumers, promotes innovation and investment, and encourages
competition,” said Chairman Julius Genachowski. “The FCC’s new digital tools will arm users
with real-time information about their broadband connection and the agency with useful data
about service across the country. By informing consumers about their broadband service quality,
these tools help eliminate confusion and make the market work more effectively.”

The Consumer Broadband Test measures broadband quality indicators such as speed and latency,
and reports that information to consumers and the FCC. The mobile version -- the FCC’s first
mobile app -- is available through the Apple and Android app stores. The fixed version is
available at www.broadband.gov. Two popular broadband testing tools are used in this beta
version -- the Ookla, Inc. Speed Test and the Network Diagnostic Tool (NDT) running on the
Measurement Lab (M-Lab) platform. In the future, the FCC anticipates making additional
broadband testing applications available for consumer use. The Commission does not endorse
any specific testing application..."