FCC plans to extend broadband speed test survey to wireless network in the US

The Federal Communications Commission said in a statement on Wednesday that it wants to extend the survey on broadband connection speeds to wireless networks as well. The fast spreading third- and fourth generation wireless broadband connections has enticed FCC to extend the research.

The main goal of the research would be to bring wireless speed education down to the consumer-level and empower them to choose and even comment on the standard services they are getting.

The FCC, in the past two year, has conducted broadband speed tests on landline-based broadband connections and the attempt has borne fruit for the consumers who now have more insight on what they are getting in their services package. Moreover, the research has helped the FCC to ensure certain standards on the service providers.

In the light of widespread use of wireless broadband in the form of both 3G and 4G LTE, the commission has planned to initiate a similar survey on wireless connections that feed smartphones, tablets and even personal computer in some cases.

The FCC plans to initiate the research at the September 21 meeting. The main job description of the study will be to collect data on data packets and conduct speed tests on different connections from service providers.

“We know from experience: Transparency on broadband speeds drives improvement in broadband speeds,” FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. “Our ongoing Measuring Broadband America program has helped improve performance in wired broadband. Our new mobile broadband measurement initiative extends the program to smartphones and other wireless devices. It will empower consumers and encourage improvements in mobile networks and programs, benefitting millions of Americans.”

In 2010, the FCC launched a website www.broadband.gov for consumers to test their connection speeds and in return collected data on each and every test. That has since ensured a certain standard on the quality of landline connection.

The wireless speed test survey will include major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and other who only provide 3G services.

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Posted by Usman Khalid on Sep 6 2012. Filed under Sci-Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.