The Federal Communications Commission has just released a smartphone app that lets users measure the speed of their mobile broadband connection.
In the process, PCWorld reports, the app also provides aggregate data to the agency for measuring nationwide mobile broadband network performance.
In turn, starting early next year, the FCC will provide consumers with maps and other information on mobile broadband performance, which will help consumers compare the performance of their service providers.
According to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, getting a better handle on this sort of information will improve service quality.
Launched as open-source software, the free FCC Speed Test App is currently available for Android smartphones, although an iOS version is in the works.
