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FCC to Start Collecting Data on Wireless Performance
May Name and Shame Under-Performing Networks
A few years back the FCC decided rather belatedly to start using actual data from actual broadband connections to start influencing policy decisions, a policy that involved using UK stat firm SamKnows and custom in-home routers to collect data on service quality. The endeavor has paid some dividends, the FCC occasionally at least naming and shaming particularly pathetic ISP performance resulting in some scattered but significant improvements for consumers. Now in a new public order (pdf) the FCC says they're aiming to do the same thing with wireless:
quote:
The FCC now proposes a program to develop information on mobile broadband service performance in the United States utilizing the collaborative model underlying the success of its fixed broadband program. As the Measuring Broadband America program has proven, the broadband performance data produced by the statistically sound methodology of the program allows comparisons and analyses that are valuable to consumers and spur competition among service providers.
Unfortunately while the FCC's name and shame approach has nudged some under-performing ISPs into action (cough -- Cablevision), other ISPs in less competitive markets have simply ignored the results and actually managed to get worse (Frontier). Naming and shaming as a result can only accomplish so much -- and it certainly can't manufacture competition out of thin air. Especially in a wireless market where two companies control the vast majority of available spectrum, transit and backhaul resources.
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InfoStack
@optonline.net

InfoStack

Anon

NTIA already doing this

NTIA has appropriated well over $100m to all states to do this. So far only CA has done it: »www.broadbandmap.ca.gov/ ··· CA_v1.3/ Why doesn't the FCC call the NTIA and work jointly to cajole the other 49 states to do the same thing, as it is their own self-serving good.

cork1958
Cork
Premium Member
join:2000-02-26

cork1958

Premium Member

Re: NTIA already doing this

Had a SamKnows box hooked into my stuff for all of 2-3 weeks. The junk router they sent me did not allow me to view squat as far as my networking, like some of the older routers they used to send out. E-mailed them and asked if they wanted their crap box back. They said no, so I still have it. Just haven't gotten around to cracking it yet so it works as a normal router.

linicx
Caveat Emptor
Premium Member
join:2002-12-03
United State

linicx

Premium Member

Who believes?

Raise your hand if you believe any Telco or Cable is not a NIMBY, and wants competition? I want to move there. Communications in Rural America, from border to border, is dying from high cost, poor quality, and no choice.