FCC Chooses SamKnows For Broadband Speed Testing [Broadband Reports]
I've blogged recently about problems that were identified with the comScore broadband speed testing that the FCC used in its national broadband plan. The data has been questioned because comScore's testing methods don't account for wireless sharing of broadband and the impact that multiple users can have on a speed test. Now the FCC has announced that it is doing additional broadband speed testing research, and it will use a British company named SamKnows to conduct the tests.
SamKnows uses a different broadband speed testing methodology than comScore. While comScore's testing uses software on a user's computer, SamKnows uses a proprietary hardware device called a "White Box" that connects directly to a user's broadband connection. The FCC is planning to divulge additional details about SamKnows' methodology in a public filing.
As the FCC evaluates its policies with regard to broadband, it's important that it have the most accurate tools to evaluate the current state of broadband speeds. I'm glad to see they have identified the problems with the prior methodology they have cited and are making changes to address them.
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