Crappy Internet? Tell the government
March 12th, 2010, 3:30 pm · 12 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
A new mobile app lets consumers test how fast their phone or home’s Internet connection is — or isn’t.
The app’s owner? The U.S. Federal Communications Commission. As part of that National Broadband plan, the FCC wants consumers to be informed about what their broadband availability is and help contribute to the FCC’s Broadband Dead Zone Report.
“Transparency empowers consumers, promotes innovation and investment, and encourages competition,” said 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 app, called the Consumer Broadband Test, measures speed and latency and reports it back to the FCC. It’s available in the Apple and Android app stores. There’s also a Web version at www.broadband.gov.
No broadband Internet? Consumers can also submit their results to the FCC by e-mail at fccinfo@fcc.gov, telephone, 888-CALL-FCC, or snail mail addressed to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau,
ATTN: Broadband Dead Zone Reporting
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
One note: By taking the test, you’re giving the FCC some personal info including your IP address and home address. Read the privacy statement.
More on the web:
- FCC Posts Tools To Measure Broadband Speeds (Newsfactor)
- FCC tool collects broadband speed data (CNET)
Reader Comments
Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement.- Keep it civil and stay on topic.
- No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks.
- People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
- By posting your comment, you agree to allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Register publications without any notification or payment.
12 Comments
-
ADVERTISEMENT
-
Things to do
-
To view local listings CLICK
HERE
Or visit your TV provider: * Cox Cable * Time Warner Cable * DirecTV * Dish Network * AT&T U-verse * Verizon FiOS *
Watch a show online HERE. Get TV/mobile help on Twitter
-
-
The North Orange County Computer Club answers your tech questions. Visit the PC Club page and the Stump archives.Recent Q&As:
>>Click HERE for more PC Club answers 
More O.C. Tech News- Privlo Raises $2.1M For Private Mortgage Marketplace May 17, 2013
- Mindspeed Adds Board Member May 17, 2013
- Airware Gets $10.7M From Google, Andreessen For Unmanned Drone Technology May 15, 2013
- Kofax Selected By Mortgage Finance Firm CashCall May 15, 2013
- MediaShift Snags Clear Channel Media Vet As CFO May 15, 2013
- Google Celebrates Atari Anniversary With Breakout Game May 15, 2013
- uParts Gets $2M To Revolutionize Auto Parts Business May 10, 2013
- Boingo Expands Wi-Fi Network In China May 8, 2013
- Ceradyne settles helicopter armor claim May 27, 2010
- O.C. firm wins $12.4 million from Yahoo February 3, 2010
-
ADVERTISEMENT
Here's a list of TV/mobile companies helping consumers one tweet at a time. 
Too many complaints and the FCC will step in and tax and regulate. Beware of unintended consequences.
Tax yes, but regulate is the key word here. They want to control everything, so yes, BEWARE!
I’m finished going into detail about how our Government is taking control of every aspect of our lives. It’s like beating a dead horse. Yes big brother you win, but keep in mind where your soul will end up!
okay, it’s better that cox cable and Time Warner (and Blue cross, UHC, and Kaiser) control it.
Hmmm,
I checked Apple’s iTunes app store several times and there is no such app available. What’s up with that?
Troy
The whole goal here is to redistribute wealth. Again, I’m finished going into detail as dead horses can’t hear.
Crappy? Really? I know it’s a blog and all, but it appears on the front page of this publication’s website. The OCR’s journalistic standards have always been a little shaky, but rarely this blatant. Crappy?!? This isn’t a Facebook page. Please, write like a grown-up.
Can’t we come up with better diction than “crappy” slang?
Just what is the definition of “bad Internet Speed’? Is it a subjective observation or is it to be backed with facts?
It can be found at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fcc-mobile-broadband-test/id357119507?mt=8
Just took the test via the standard internet link. It looks pretty accurate and on a par with other spreed tests. I use ATT Elite DSL
FYI: Android app is called “FCC Mobile Broadband Test” in the MArket.
So, what is considered crappy and what is fast on mobile broadband, in Mbps terms.)