Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a mobile speed test app for the dual purpose of helping consumers check their data speeds and allowing them to engage in the National Broadband Map challenge process.
The revised FCC Mobile Speed Test app is an upgrade from its previous version, promising to give users a streamlined experience to test speeds and challenge the accuracy of mobile broadband coverage data reported by service providers.
“Consumers deserve to know where they have mobile coverage and at what speeds and the FCC wants to include their experiences in our effort to create a more precise map of available coverage,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
“Our new app makes it easier to share real-world experience with connectivity, empowering consumers and making it possible for up-to-date and crowdsourced information to inform our mapping.”
The new features of the FCC Mobile Speed Test app include:
- A tool to let users test their speed multiple times without entering their information with each test.
- Overlaid map information to show where the test was performed.
- The ability for users to see their speed test results on the National Broadband Map.
- Hands-free tests so consumers can perform a test while they drive.
In addition to being a tool for consumers to use, the FCC designed the app to improve the accuracy of the National Broadband Map, providing crowd-sourced data to assist the FCC’s verification and policy-making processes, particularly as they related to the challenge process.
The app is part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection program. The FCC hopes the relaunch of the Mobile Speed Test app represents a significant step towards allowing consumers to participate in broadband data accuracy, with the larger goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable and up-to-date information about their mobile internet connectivity.
The app can be download in the Google Play store for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS.
