FCC launches broadband consumer tools

The Federal Communications Commission launched the 'Consumer broadband test' and the 'Broadband dead zone report' digital tools. The former enables consumers to test their broadband service and the latter enables users to report areas where broadband is not available. The 'Consumer broadband test' measures broadband quality indicators such as speed and latency, and reports that information to consumers and the FCC. The mobile version (the FCC's first mobile app) is available through the Apple and Android app stores, whereas the fixed version is available at www.broadband.gov. Two popular broadband testing tools are used in this beta version, namely the Ookla Speed Test and the Network Diagnostic Tool (NDT) running on the Measurement Lab (M-Lab) platform. In the future, the FCC anticipates making additional broadband testing applications available for consumer use. The 'Broadband dead zone report' enables Americans to submit the street address location of a broadband 'dead zone' where broadband is unavailable for purchase.