Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the New FCC Mobile Speed Test App

Using the App

Q: What kind of devices can I use to run this app?
A: The app is designed for use on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that runs either the Android or iOS operating system.

Q: Which operating systems versions does the app support?
A: The app is compatible with iOS 14 and above. For Android devices, it is compatible with operating systems 9 and above.

Q: Where can I get more technical details on how the new FCC Mobile Speed Test App operates?
A: Read the 2024 FCC Mobile Speed Test App Technical Description to get details on the metrics and methodologies used to conduct connected performance tests on mobile broadband networks.

For more information on the app’s features and how to use the app, read the FCC Mobile Speed Test App User Guide.

Q: How can I run multiple tests automatically?
A: The repeated test functionality allows you to run multiple tests without having to start a test individually each time. On the home screen, tap on the drop-down menu next to the Crowdsource Test button and choose the "Repeated Test" option. Choose the number of tests, the time intervals between each test, and the total duration of tests. The maximum total duration allowed is 4 hours, but you can start another repeated test at the end of each 4-hour cycle. This can be a good way to test mobile coverage along a route that you drive frequently, such as your daily commute.

This convenient feature is available for both Crowdsource Tests and Challenge Tests.

Q: Is it possible to stop a test while it is being run?
A: To avoid introducing bias in the testing results, a single test cannot be stopped while it’s running. A repeated test session, on the other hand, can be stopped, but only after the completion of a test already in progress.

Q: Why are background tests available only in the Android app?
A: iOS security features prevent scheduled tests on Apple devices.

Q: What are the benefits of background tests (Android only)?
A: You can configure the app to execute scheduled Crowdsource Tests seamlessly in the background daily, weekly, or monthly. These tests – called background tests – offer a more precise representation of mobile network performance, because these are randomized tests distributed across different timeframes and locations, ensuring a statistically sound approach to data collection.

Q: I do not want to run any background tests. How can I disable them?
A: To deactivate background tests on an Android device, go to the background page and toggle the switch to the off position.

Q: Why can’t I run a Challenge Test using my Wi-Fi connection?
A: The FCC Mobile Speed Test App can only be used to dispute mobile broadband availability as shown on the FCC’s National Broadband Map. You may run a test of your Wi-Fi connection using the QuickCheck or Crowdsource Test options, but the test results will not result in challenges to the home or small business (fixed) services shown on the National Broadband Map. Learn more about how to challenge reported fixed home in this article.

Q: What kind of contact information must I provide to run the tests?
A: To run a Crowdsource test, you must provide your full name and email address.

To run a Challenge test, you must provide your full name, email, and the phone number of the device running the test. You will be prompted to provide this information during the initial installation of the app, and the contact information will be automatically populated for subsequent tests. You can edit the contact information in the app settings at any time.

To run a QuickCheck test, you do not need to provide any contact information.

Additional details can be found in the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.

Q: How do I start the tests?
A: Open the app and on the start screen, choose between Single or Repeated Test. Then choose Crowdsource Test, Challenge Test, or QuickCheck Test. Then tap the “Start Test” button.

You will then be prompted to select the environment in which the test is being conducted – Indoors, Outdoors, or In-Vehicle.

Note: Only tests taken outdoors or in-vehicle can be Challenge tests. Tests taken indoors or over a WiFi network will not create challenges.

Q: How can I set limits on data usage to avoid exceeding my data plan?
A: Go to the Settings, then tap “Mobile Data Usage.” In the “Configure Data Usage" section, you can choose the amount of data the app is allowed to use each month. You can also specify a reset day, which is the day each month when data usage will be reset to zero.

Q: Will I be notified if I reach the data usage limit I set?
A: Yes. When you exceed 75% of the data limit you set, you will see a pop-up notification informing you that you may exceed your data limit. The notification will continue to appear each time you start a test unless you adjust your data limit.

Q: Will I receive a notification if I'm approaching my data limit during a repeated test?
A: No, you will not receive a notification if you are approaching your data limit during a repeated test. The notification pop-up only appears when you initiate a test from the home screen. In other words, if you are running a Repeated Test and your data usage is nearing its limit, the system won’t alert you about it until you begin a new test session from the home screen.

Q: I am having issues running a Challenge Test. I see a pop-up telling me I need to enable location services. How can I do this and why is it necessary?
A: You can enable location services by going to your device's settings, turning on location services, and giving the FCC Mobile Speed Test App permission to access the device’s location. A Challenge Test is designed to dispute a mobile provider's coverage as shown on the FCC’s National Broadband Map and the exact location of where the test was taken is required to validate the challenge submission.

Q: What types of broadband connections can I evaluate using the app?
A: The app is designed to evaluate the broadband performance of both mobile wireless (cellular) and Wi-Fi connections. If your device is currently connected to a Wi-Fi network, the app will default to testing the Wi-Fi connection. To evaluate the performance of your mobile wireless connection, disable the Wi-Fi connection before initiating the test.

Q: How does the app determine the technology or connection type during the test?
A: The app uses several checks to find the type of connection your device uses throughout the test sequence. Initially, it looks to see if the current connection is via mobile wireless or fixed Wi-Fi. In the case of a mobile wireless network connection, the app further categorizes the type of cellular technology, differentiating between 3G, 4G, and 5G.

Q: How can I uninstall the app?
A: You can uninstall the app at any time by following the standard procedure for removing apps on your device.

Results from My device

Q: How can I find the results for tests I already ran in the app?
A: You can find your previous test results in the app's settings. In settings, tap the "Data Export" tab, then select the specific dates for which you need the data. The result data can be exported in a compressed zipped file format to your device or shared.  After extracting the downloaded zip file, you will have the information available in CSV or JSON formats. Additionally, previous test results can be found in the "History" page, categorized under the respective tabs for Crowdsource, Challenge, QuickCheck, and Background tests (available for Android users only). These test results will remain in the history section until you uninstall the Application.

Q: Do I have to export my test results and send the exported data to the FCC?
A: No. The data generated from your tests is automatically transmitted to the FCC per the App's Privacy Policy. You may retain and analyze your exported test results data as desired.

Q: Why do I sometimes see variations in test results when using different speed test apps?
A: Different speed tests apps may use different testing methodologies. Some level of variation in results should be expected. Several factors can influence the speeds observed, such as location of the test servers (if they are inside or outside the Internet Service Provider's network), network congestion, and the specific measurement processes employed. Learn more about the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Methodology.

Q: How can I report my results to the FCC or express concerns about the quality of my connectivity?
A: Conducting a Challenge Test means that you wish to dispute your provider’s claim of coverage within the geographic location where the test was run. Once a grouping of Challenge Tests meets certain geographic, temporal, and numerical thresholds, they will be sent to your provider for a response. Additionally, although Crowdsource Tests will not be used to challenge a provider’s assertion of coverage, the tests may be used by the FCC to verify the coverage data shown on the National Broadband Map.

If you wish to raise a particular concern about the quality of your service or billing issues, you should contact your service provider directly. You may also file a complaint through the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center.

Q: How can I share test results with friends, family, or others?
A: To share a test result, go to the test result page, then tap the “Share” button. For previous results, go to the history page, select the test you want to share and tap the “Share” button.

Privacy

Q: What personal data does the app collect?
A: The FCC is committed to safeguarding the privacy of participants. Personally identifiable information, such as names, phone numbers, locations, device identifiers, or network information, is collected only with the user’s explicit permission. Specifically, the app collects contact information from users when they conduct “Challenge” or “Crowdsource” speed tests, but does not collect contact information when they conduct a “QuickCheck” test. The app collects location information if the user decides to enable location services. When location services permission is granted, the FCC receives GPS coordinates associated with the tests run on the device. The app also collects the test date and time, device and network information (such as the device's manufacturer and model and the installed operating system version), and details about mobile device connection performance (including service provider, radio signal strength and quality, and connection type), as well as test results. Additional details can be found in the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.

Q: How are data collected and transmitted, and to whom are data disclosed?
A: Test results and the information discussed above are automatically transmitted to the FCC's app development contractor (Mozark) periodically following test completion, and subsequently, they are securely transmitted to the FCC. Data shared with the public, other than the locations of challenges, is anonymized. Certain information will be shared with providers whose coverage is being challenged. Data may be provided to third-party partners, such as the FCC’s app contractor. In circumstances where law enforcement presents a legitimate written request for access to the data, or when legal obligations require us to provide access, such access is granted. Data also may be shared with researchers, who will be required to enter into non-disclosure agreements prior to receiving any raw data from the FCC. Additional details can be found in the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and in the applicable System of Records Notice.

Q: Why does the app ask for contact information?
A: The App was designed to give the public an easy way to participate in the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection challenge and crowdsource processes that can improve the accuracy of the National Broadband Map. Those functions require a user to submit contact information.

An email address is used by the FCC to provide updates to the user on the status of the challenges submitted using the app. Users can also create an account on the National Broadband Map to review their challenges, see their test locations, including the results of each upload and download test. The user’s email address is used to associate all tests taken by the user.

A user’s name and phone number are shared with the provider only when a challenge is sent to the provider for response. The phone number enables the service provider to associate the challenge with a subscriber account to determine the specifics of the submitter’s data plan. 

The FCC is committed to safeguarding the privacy of participants. The FCC protects its information resources with a dynamic set of security measures that are designed to meet all Federal privacy standards. Additional details can be found in the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and in the applicable System of Records Notice.

Q: How are the data used and protected by the FCC?
A: The data collected by the app are used by the FCC to inform its policy decisions and reporting related to mobile broadband services. The FCC may use these data to create publicly accessible maps depicting mobile broadband availability and service quality. Whenever feasible, individual test results will be aggregated with nearby tests, reducing the risk of identification.

For users that choose to share contact information and run Challenge tests, their name and phone number are shared with the challenged provider only when a challenge is sent to the provider for response. The phone number enables the service provider to associate the challenge with a subscriber account to determine the specifics of the submitter’s data plan.

The FCC protects its information resources with a dynamic set of security measures that are designed to meet all Federal privacy standards, including those required by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Some of these measures (e.g., network firewalls, physical security) protect the entire FCC enterprise, while other measures (e.g., user access restrictions, encryption) are applied to specific information systems. The electronic records, files, and data are stored within FCC or a vendor’s accreditation boundaries and maintained in a database housed in the FCC’s or vendor’s computer network databases. Access to the electronic files is restricted to authorized employees and contractors, and to IT staff, contractors, and vendors who maintain the IT networks and services. Other employees and contractors may be granted access solely on a need-to-know basis.

Additional details can be found in the FCC Mobile Speed Test App Privacy Notice and Terms of Use

Technical Support and Feedback

Q: I'm having technical issues with the app and I need help. How can I get technical support?
A: If you need technical support for the app, please reach out to community@mozark.ai.

Q: How can I share feedback about the app's performance and features?
A: We value and appreciate your feedback. You can reach us by sending an email to community@mozark.ai or using the "Contact Us" form in the app.

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