The FCC wants you to help test broadband

Ordinarily, the Federal Communications Commission speaks and you listen - or not - but today, the FCC is asking you to gather information for them. Right, as part of its 2012 Measuring Broadband America program, the commission wants volunteers to help them find out just how fast the nation's broadband is.

The first phase of testing was in March, 2011 and combined readings from "...13 of the largest wireline broadband providers using automated, direct measurements of the broadband performance of thousands of volunteer broadband customers..." The results were published in Measuring Broadband America Report: A Report on Consumer Wireline Broadband Performance in the U.S.

Once again the FCC is relying on volunteers. "The participation of volunteers is vital to the FCC's effort to measure broadband performance in the United States. The initiative is part of the FCC's ongoing efforts to empower consumers, ensure accountability, increase transparency, and enhance competition in the marketplace."

Volunteers are urged to sign up via the Test My ISP site, and the FCC is sweetening the pot with a free offer:

"Volunteers who sign-up will receive a free wireless router from SamKnows, the FCC's contractor, which will be programmed to measure broadband speeds delivered to the home and detailed reports on the performance of their broadband service."

For those of you wary of the FCC, or who just want another way to test your Internet service, use the Speed Matters SpeedTest. We let you know immediately and compare your speed with others in your area and around the nation.

FCC announces expansion of nationwide test (FCC news release, Feb. 17, 2012)

Measuring Broadband America: A Report on Consumer Wireline Broadband Performance in the U.S. (FCC, 2011)

Test My ISP (SamKnows website)

Speed Matters SpeedTest