FCC: 80 Pct of Americans Don’t Know their Broadband Speed

By Geoff Duncan June 3, 2010

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A new survey conducted by the Federal Communications Commission‘s Consumer Task Force has found that, overall, 80 percent of Americans don’t know the speed of their broadband Internet connections (PDF)—but most respondents are satisfied with the speed their getting…whatever it is. The survey is part of a broader initiative at the FCC to measure the actual broadband speeds consumers receive from ISPs and compare them to the speeds that broadband providers advertise.

“Speed matters,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, in a statement. “The more broadband d what speeds they get, the more they can make the market work and push faster speeds over broadband networks.”

The FCC’s focus on the actual bandwidth being delivered to consumers comes as the agency is putting forward its National Broadband Plan, which seeks (in part) to reclassify broadband Internet service more like telephone service to preserve things like consumers’ ability to access any lawful application or service, but not requiring providers accede to rate regulations and facilities-sharing requirements. But the timing of the Consumers Task Force’s study only highlights the elephant in the room: neither the FCC nor anybody else really has much idea what broadband is available to consumers, and whether consumers get anything remotely akin to the services being advertised. If the results of the survey are any indicators, consumers don’t really seem to care…although the survey noted some variations, with women and respondents age 65 or older less likely to know the speed of their broadband connection.

In an effort to map out existing broadband access to U.S. homes, the FCC is looking for 10,000 volunteers to participate in a study (conducted by SamKnows) measuring home broadband speeds: participants would have specialized hardware installed in their home that would measure the performance of their broadband connection and report the results back to the FCC; participants will also be able to see the performance of their own broadband service. Interested consumers can register for the test at www.TestMyISP.com.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

I used ChatGPT to help me make my first game. Don’t make the same mistakes I did

A person typing on a laptop that is showing the ChatGPT generative AI website.

Alongside writing articles about ChatGPT, coming to terms with AI chatbot has been a major mission of mine for the past year. I've found it useful for coming up with recipe ideas from a list of ingredients, writing fun alternate history ideas, and answering board game rules clarifications. But I wanted to see if it could do something more impressive: teach me how to make a game.
The first hurdle
I've wanted to make a game for a while now. I programmed a bunch of basic Flash games when I was a kid -- if you can find my Newgrounds profile, you can have a good laugh at them -- but I've had a few ideas ticking in my mind that have calcified into thoughts that will not shift. I need to make them someday and maybe someday is now.

But knowing how to start making a game isn't easy. I didn't really know what kind of game I was trying to make, or what engine I should use, or how you actually start making a game. Until recently, I just hadn't done it. I'd downloaded Unity once, became intimidated, and uninstalled it.

Computing

Don’t miss your chance to save 31% on Dell’s iMac-style PC

The Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One on a desk next to a keyboard.

If you've always been interested in iMac deals but you've been held back by the high prices of Apple's desktop computers -- or because you want to stick to Windows -- you may want to take a look at the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One PC. This iMac-style computer, originally priced at $650, is down to an even more affordable $450 following a 31% discount from Dell. We're not sure how much time is remaining before you miss this chance at $200 in savings, so if you're interested, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase as soon as you can.

Why you should buy the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One PC
The major draw of all-in-one computers like the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One is the space that they free up on your desk. Unlike traditional desktop computer setups that come with a CPU and a monitor, plus the cable that connects them, the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One combines a 23.8-inch Full HD screen and its CPU in one device. If you go with a wireless keyboard and mouse, the only cable that you'll need is the power cord, which will allow you to get rid of all the clutter on your workstation.

Computing

Please, don’t buy an AMD GPU right now

RX 7900 XTX slotted into a test bench.

It's basically a foregone conclusion that Nvidia is launching new Super GPUs next week at CES. We have no official announcement from Nvidia, outside of a keynote presentation at the event, but a mountain of evidence shows that Team Green may be gearing up to launch three new graphics cards. But what about Team Red?

We have heard murmurs that AMD is set to launch a budget-focused RX 7600 XT soon, but the rumor mill has been quiet about a slate of new graphics cards. Even with a pile of graphics cards in stock at reasonable prices and few indications that AMD is going to upend its GPU lineup, it's best to wait a couple of weeks before picking up a new AMD GPU.
Super AMD GPUs? Unlikely