Original-FCC Speed Test 4+

SamKnows

Designed for iPad

    • 3.4 • 156 Ratings
    • Free

Screenshots

Description

The FCC Speed Test app is part of both the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) and its Measuring Broadband America programs. The BDC tests run by users will help to improve the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband maps showing mobile coverage areas. The Measuring Broadband America program assists with improving the transparency, accuracy, and availability of data on the performance of broadband services in the United States.

App Options

● Run tests in Speed Test mode to check your connection or in Challenge mode to challenge wireless coverage and improve the FCC’s Broadband Map.
● Monitor data usage and set a monthly data usage cap to minimize the data limit excess on a monthly data plan.
● Store test results to compare them over time.
● Export a .zip file containing data collected during tests, as well as additional passive data supported by your device.

Before You Install

The new FCC Speed Test app replaces the legacy version. If you have installed a prior version of this app and wish to retain data obtained by these earlier versions, the data needs to be exported to your device or emailed to you. All previous test results will be permanently deleted upon installation of this new FCC Speed Test app version.

Privacy

Your privacy is safeguarded, and you can opt-in to share information with certain parties. See the Privacy Notice or download the app for more information.

The app may share contact information with your provider to help the FCC build more accurate mobile broadband coverage maps, along with information on the conditions in which the test was run.


The Bigger Picture

By using the FCC Speed Test app, you will help improve the FCC’s maps of mobile coverage across America. The data from these tests contribute to the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection and the Measuring Broadband America programs. The programs are run by the FCC to fulfill its Congressional mandates to collect and make publicly available accurate and transparent performance metrics on U.S. broadband.

More information on the Broadband Data Collection: https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData

What’s New

Version 4.3.4

Bug fixes and general performance improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

3.4 out of 5
156 Ratings

156 Ratings

walkingonedge ,

speeds not accurate

Simple and intuitive interface. Wish it had a line graph of speed data over the period of the test to visually show variability.

However major issue is that speed test with this app is much slower than with other tests. With this app, I get 50 mbps down, but with Ookla, I get 180 mbps down. I made sure both were using wifi and tested the back to back. Ookla has consistently given me 180 mbps over many months (so I believe the result). Not sure if it is load on the server that is causing issue?? But hard for FCC to get real world testing data if their “test” doesn’t show actual speed ...

ThreapUSA ,

Seems to be clear and accurate, but Upload test fails for me

I’m on a microwave relay link in Oregon - the only broadband option I have - and this app correctly reports my expected download speed, which accords with my own anecdotal observations.
However the app’s “upload” test reports FAILED immediately, which - considering that uploads from my network via browser, SFTP, icloud, email, etc, all work fine - makes me suspect the app has an issue. I’ve tried multiple times without success, and I see from these reviews that I’m not alone seeing this behavior. I know these reviews aren’t meant to be tech support, but there doesn’t seem to be any (obvious) way to submit a problem report from within the app.

Bill in Akron ,

Speed test with FCC minding the store

This refers to the version of the app released January 2021. The app seems to be transparent about privacy and can be constrained to not use to minimize mobile data. The app is light weight by modern standards, “only,” 35 megabytes.

This app seems to give somewhat more optimistic performance ratings than Ookla or Dslreports/speetest. Hmm, maybe ISPs are cooking the books a little to make sure that when Uncle Sam is watching, performance looks better than it would otherwise. This app can’t be faulted for any cooking of the books ISPs might do.

It is worthwhile to run this app so Uncle Sam can build an ISP performance database.

App Privacy

The developer, SamKnows, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

  • Location
  • Contact Info

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

  • Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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