FCC to release Android app to crowdsource mobile broadband data

Many smartphone users have played around with the Speedtest.net app that reveals how fast data is traveling to and from a particular phone over a specific network. Now, the FCC plans on launching a similar app for Android users. At this coming Thursday's first open FCC meeting under its new chairman, Tom Wheeler, this app will be introduced to the public.

The app, called FCC Speed Test, will be available in the Google Play Store and will measure network speed on all four major U.S. carriers. The FCC will use this crowdsourced data as a way of surveying the data speeds being provided by Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. The app is right in line with comments the FCC made in September about measuring data speed and Chairman Wheeler says that he wants to make sure that there is adequate competition in the wireless industry. Before the FCC can do this, they need to know what level of service Americans are currently receiving. And that is where the FCC Speed Test app comes into play.

source: WSJ