FCC Announces "Measuring Mobile America" Program
NEWS
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
September 5, 2012Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
FCC ANNOUNCES “MEASURING MOBILE AMERICA”
PROGRAM TO TEST MOBILE BROADBAND PERFORMANCE
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today announced the launch of MeasuringMobile 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.
- FCC -
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