Need for Speed Info

Description

Consumers rely on Internet-based applications and services that place a wide range of demands on broadband networks. Some applications, like e-mail, are generally not sensitive to network performance. Other applications, such as videoconferencing and gaming, may be affected significantly by a broadband service’s speed, latency, and jitter. Consumers seeking to make informed choices between competing broadband Internet access services require information about the speed and performance required for the range of Internet applications they intend to use. The FCC notes that the Open Internet Order requires broadband providers to disclose information regarding network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of broadband services. This Public Notice seeks input on the particular types of “need for speed” information that are most useful to consumers assessing which broadband service to purchase. This Notice is a further step in the FCC's ongoing effort to ensure that consumers have access to the information they need about the communications services they purchase and use.

Many consumers lack information about their broadband connection’s performance and its ability to support different services and activities. Some broadband providers advertise that their offerings support certain applications, but consumers lack standardized tools to determine which speeds and other features they need for a range of services. As noted in the National Broadband Plan, providing consumers with relevant information is a “proven method to promote meaningful competition and spur innovation, both of which will generate more and better consumer choices.” The lack of such information hampers consumers’ ability to compare services offered by and among broadband providers.

This Public Notice seeks comment on the kinds of performance-related information that will be most useful to consumers when they assess which service to purchase. The Commission and many commenters have emphasized the importance of collecting input from a broad range of stakeholders on how best to educate consumers. Here we seek input—and particularly quantitative input—on both the costs and benefits of providing relevant information to consumers.

The FCC expects that the input gathered in response to this Public Notice will encourage industry best practices. The FCC also expects that comments will build upon the work of the voluntary group of broadband providers, application developers, equipment manufacturers, and consumer groups that have met with the FCC to help guide its broadband speed and performance testing process, and work towards standardized measurements and disclosures.

Read the Public Notice http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-661A1.doc

Issues

The FCC is seeking information on the following:

1. What are the most important service characteristics that consumers need to consider to determine their broadband performance requirements? Are there specific characteristics—such as latency, jitter, and peak hour performance—that may be particularly important to consumers using certain kinds of applications? How should consumers be informed of the impact of features that offer users short-term speed increases?
2. Taking into consideration costs and benefits, what is the most effective way to ensure that broadband providers inform consumers about broadband performance needs? Are voluntary standards regarding methods and formats for the disclosure of performance information the most effective way to ensure that consumers are informed? If so, how should such standards be developed? Would mandatory methods or formats be more effective?
3. What is the best way to present information regarding broadband performance needs in a concise, cost-effective manner that facilitates informed consumer choice? We have appended to this Notice an exhibit from a National Broadband Plan technical paper that presents one possible approach. We seek comment on this approach, and invite commenters to provide others. Are there disclosures from other sectors that could be useful models for educating consumers about broadband performance needs, such as nutrition labeling on food products, fuel efficiency guides for automobiles, or energy efficiency labels for household appliances?
4. Given the dynamic nature of broadband performance and consumer needs, how often should “need for speed” information be updated to stay current?
5. Once “need for speed” standards and materials are developed, what are the most effective ways to get the information into the hands of consumers?
6. How can we ensure that standardized “need for speed” information is accessible for people with disabilities? Are there certain features of broadband Internet access service that may be particularly important to consumers with disabilities and therefore should be disclosed in special ways? For example, upload speed may be of particular importance to people with hearing or speech disabilities who use video relay service.
7. A variety of factors will influence a broadband consumer’s experience. Some of those factors are in the consumer’s control, some are in the service provider’s control, and some are outside of the control of both. How can these determinants of network performance best be conveyed to consumers so that they can optimize their broadband service quality?

Comment due date: 05/26/2011

Comment reply due date: 06/16/2011