FCC Launches Speed Test
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, March 15, 2010 · 
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Last Friday, the commission launched a new java-based speed test application at the Broadband.gov website. The FCC’s speed test is powered by Ookla and the Network Diagnostic Tool, which runs on the Google-driven Measurement Lab (M-Lab) platform. There are also mobile applications for the iPhone and Android platforms, but not for Palm or Windows Mobile.
The test measures latency, jitter, downstream and upstream speeds. To take the test, you must first enter your street address and reveal where you are accessing the Internet from.
“Transparency empowers consumers, promotes innovation and investment, and encourages competition,” FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. “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 commission is attempting to independently collect data, perhaps in an effort to shape its policy decisions. However, it’s unclear if this test will provide the accurate information it is looking for.
Critics of the test have called it too simplistic and inaccurate to yield useful data. From a quick look at the test there’s nothing to prevent users from entering random garbage data, such as towns or cities that don’t jive with zip codes. The resultant data also may become skewed if a user conducts a test during peak congestion hours. Industry analysts told Network World the test fails to account for some of the smart routing techniques employed to optimize user experience.
What are your thoughts on the tool? I welcome your comments.
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