The FCC today launched a new ad-free FCC Speed Test app for iOS devices, designed to measure mobile broadband performance. The app is an expansion of the Measuring Broadband America program, which aims to measure both fixed and mobile broadband to “bring greater clarity and competition to the broadband service marketplace.”
Like other mobile speed testing apps, the FCC's app analyzes mobile broadband performance (both Wi-Fi and cellular) and displays a breakdown of download and upload speed, latency, and packet loss. It also keeps a historical record of mobile speeds for comparison of performance over time.
The FCC is using data collected from the app to build an aggregated map of mobile broadband performance across the country, but it does not collect personally identifying information aside from carrier, country code, and GPS location.
Privacy is paramount. The FCC has taken significant measures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of volunteers for this program. Using privacy measures developed and reviewed by a diverse team of privacy experts, any data that could potentially identify specific smartphones is analyzed and processed to ensure privacy protection.
The FCC previously launched an FCC Speed Test app for Android back in November and has published multiple reports on broadband performance as part of Measuring Broadband America.
FCC Speed Test can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
Actually, it's a brilliant idea. Net neutrality is super important. Unless you work for Verizon...
They're referring to the Speedtest.net iPhone app.
1) The government knows where you live and work.
2) The government isn't telling businesses how to make money. They are identifying areas of internet disadvantage through which they can provide incentives for companies to expand services in those areas.
3) GPS was created by, and is owned and operated by the US military. They can track you anyway.
Oh for christ's sake!! All of you really think the NSA has time to waste snooping on your internet habits??
Most of you share so much info freely on social networks that no one really needs to snoop to get. It's out there free for all to see.