FCC launches official speed test app for broadband data collection program

The Federal Communications Commission has launched an official speed test app to help collect data amid bipartisan calls to update broadband standards.

The app, called "FCC Speed Test," will show users their network performance test results, which they can directly compare against what their ISP says they should get. In addition to the test results, the app also sends the results to the FCC as part of its Measuring Broadband America Program.

Before consumer data collection efforts, the FCC went by ISP self-reported data only. Historically, the FCC calls an entire service area that spans about 50 square miles sufficiently covered if even only a single address had access to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.

It isn't clear if the speed test app will change the coverage area delineations, or will have any real impact on what the FCC defines as broadband.

Broadband customers can share their broadband experiences using this form on the FCC website. Additional consumer resources and information about the collection program are available here.