Last Thursday, the FCC started collecting information from consumers about the quality of their broadband service. If you’ve got a PC that can run Java, you can go to Broadband.gov and run the test now. (The FCC will collect your IP address and physical address, but not your name or email address, reports Wired.) If you’ve got an iPhone or Android smartphone, you can download an app to measure your connectivity and report it.

The app/applet is meant to help educate consumers about the service they’re currently paying for, but it will also help the FCC create a map of broadband service across the country that it can use for future programs.

The FCC will release its National Broadband Plan on March 17th.

“The FCC Wants You to Test Your Broadband Speeds” [Wired via OhGizmo!]
FCC Broadband Test app for iPhone

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