FCC Unveils Mobile Broadband Speed Test App

The Federal Communications Commission released its first public version of the FCC Speed Test app for Android smartphones. The app is available free of charge for smartphones running the Android operating system in the Google Play store.

FCC Speed Test is an open-source, crowdsourcing program to assess mobile broadband performance nationwide. Developed in cooperation with broadband experts, major wireless service providers and other stakeholders, the app will provide consumers with open, transparent information on their own mobile broadband speeds. In 2014, the FCC will release interactive maps and other tools to allow consumers to see meaningful information about mobile broadband network performance around the country based on aggregate data collected by the app.

• The FCC Speed Test app accurately measures mobile broadband (cellular) and Wi-Fi network performance and delivers consumers an in-depth, real-time view of key metrics related to their mobile broadband experience.
• Privacy is paramount: the FCC Speed Test app was developed in collaboration with a diverse team of privacy experts, including federal partners, academia, and industry stakeholders.
• The FCC plans an aggressive schedule for providing visualizations and maps that will allow consumers to compare mobile broadband network speeds and technologies, depending on the volume of volunteer participation.
• The FCC encourages consumers to download this first release of the app, give the FCC feedback on how to make it better, and volunteer to test mobile broadband performance.