Feds Find Broadband Services Approaching Advertised Speeds

Julius Genachowski

It may not seem like it when you're waiting for a big file to load but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says broadband providers are generally living up to their promised speeds.

The agency studied residential Internet service offered by 13 large broadband providers – including AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner – to subscribers during March. It found that Internet connections were generally within 80 to 90 percent of advertised maximum speeds.

The FCC set up an online speed test where consumers can check their Internet speed. Results of the tests were incorporated into the performance audit released today.

All three popular wired broadband delivery methods – fiber-optic cable, cable modems and DSL – do a good job of delivering promised speeds, even during peak periods, the study found.

But, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski noted, while existing broadband customers are generally well-served, nearly a third of Americans do not have service.

“That's nearly 100 million Americans who are being bypassed by the benefits of broadband. This is the broadband adoption gap,” Genachowski said.

Flying blind

While about 20 million Americans live in areas not served by broadband, many of those who are not yet connected lack the information they need to pick the service that's right for them, he said.

“While there's a flood of information to help consumers pick the right computer or gadget, when it comes to picking the service that brings those devices to life, consumers are largely flying blind,” Genachowski said. “80% of consumers don't know what speed they subscribe to. If you check your monthly broadband bill for specifics about the speed of your service, there's a good chance you won't find that information there. And if you did, it might not be in a language you can understand.

“How many people know what a megabit is?” he asked.

Genachowski, who spoke at a Best Buy store in downtown Washington, D.C., said the study released today was part of the agency's attempt to demystify the process and provide consumers with reliable information about the level of service available in their community.