FCC To Begin Study Of Mobile Broadband Performance

We have all heard the numerous claims which wireless carriers have made here in the US about just how great the performance is for their wireless services. And yet it seems that some of the claims are a little hard to accept. And we may be seeing another resource for getting performance measurements for wireless carriers. This is coming care of the FCC in a Press Release today where they are going to start holding hearing on the topic of "Mobile Broadband Performance".

We know of the previous program where the FCC measured the broadband performance needs for homes and it looks like it was a success. You can read the most recent reports from that effort to see the value in what they provided. If they can perform a similar service related to mobile broadband, it will provide an independent analysis for everyone to review.

With the FCC reviewing mobile performance (and speeds) and then reporting their results, we will have a fair comparison between the information they gather and the claims of wireless carriers. For some wireless carriers, they may get a black eye from this exercise. It will be interesting to see the results, but don't expect to see it completed within the next 12 months.

Here is the FCC Press Release.

FCC ANNOUNCES “MEASURING MOBILE AMERICA” PROGRAM TO TEST MOBILE BROADBAND PERFORMANCE

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today announced the launch of Measuring Mobile America, the first nationwide mobile broadband performance measurement program. As mobile broadband has become part of our everyday communications infrastructure, it remains difficult for consumers to get detailed information about their mobile broadband performance. The program will expand the FCC’s broadband measurement program to test mobile performance data.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, “We know from experience: transparency on broadband speeds drives improvement in broadband speeds. Our ongoing Measuring Broadband America program has helped improve performance in wired broadband. Our new mobile broadband measurement initiative extends the program to smartphones and other wireless devices. It will empower consumers and encourage improvements in mobile networks and programs, benefitting millions of Americans.”

Building on the model for the FCC’s ongoing Measuring Broadband America program, the first broad-scale study of actual home broadband performance throughout the United States, the FCC will work with wireless carriers, the public interest and research community, and other stakeholders to deliver consumers detailed information about mobile broadband performance.

The Measuring Broadband America program has been proof-of-concept that a public-private partnership designed to promote transparency could yield tangible benefits for millions of American consumers. In the one year between the first and second Measuring Broadband America reports, the FCC saw significant improvements in broadband performance and offerings.

On September 21, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting to discuss the new program. The FCC has received commitments to cooperate in this program from major wireless carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, and CTIA—the Wireless Association®. With the launch of this open meeting, the FCC looks forward to the participation of other critical stakeholders, including the public research community. The FCC’s Measuring Mobile America program will continue the agency’s efforts to respond to the recommendations in our National Broadband Plan to improve the availability of information for consumers about their broadband service.