FCC launches broadband tool to test net speed

The tool titled ‘Consumer Broadband Test’ can be found on www.broadband.gov and users can also get a mobile version of the tool via Android and Apple app stores.

According to the FCC 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 new speed testing tool has come at a time when FCC is planning to submit its national broadband plan to Congress on Mar. 17, where agency will provide suggestions on how to make broadband accessible to all Americans and also to increase connectivity speed.

Things users need to know about FCC’s tool
Any broadband users must have Java to successfully run FCC’s broadband testing tool.

Users will be randomly assigned to two independent diagnostic companies: Ookla and M-Lab, with whom FCC is working with to test broadband speed

The regulatory body will not only be providing the speed testing tool but will be collecting data.

Though, user does not need to give his/her name but the service will be asking if the test is being conducted from home, institution, business etc.

User need to specify the location in terms of street name, city, state and the ZIP code and not to provide specific street address or apartment number.

The tool will also be recording user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address to discover the location but the agency has said in its privacy statement that the information collected will be kept private.

According to FCC, data collected will be used to “analyze broadband quality and availability on geographic basis.”

FCC’s national broadband plan feasible?
In a speech given by FCC Chairman Genachowski in the mid-February, he had mentioned that agency’s main objective is to bring 100M bps (bits per second) broadband service to all Americans by 2020.

Several tech firms have welcomed FCC’s plan with open arms but some questioned how agency plans to execute such a grand scale plan, which of course will be expensive to implement.

"I believe the plan is too ambitious for many inside Washington to fully embrace in terms of executing legislation and making funds available," said Craig Settles, a community broadband consultant and president of Successful.com.

However, Dean Garfield, president and CEO of the trade group the Information Technology Industry Council, believes that the FCC plan is "not only achievable, but it's really necessary."