Here in the US we have a select group known as 'Nielsen families'. These are the households which have been chosen to report their viewing habits to the analysis firm that constructs the Nielsen Ratings metric. Now, it seems the FCC is looking for some 10,000 households to participate in a metric of its own.

The commission is asking for some 10,000 volunteer households to take part in a study on real-world broadband speeds. The users would attach a special device to their home networks which would monitor and report broadband speeds to the agency.

The study is part of a campaign by the commission to make broadband providers more accountable. The commission is looking for proof one way or the other on whether broadband providers are actually delivering the access speeds they promise in their advertisements.

So, if you want to participate in a study that could lead to more honest advertising amongst ISPs, and you don't mind letting the government have access to your network activity, you might want to ring up Uncle Sam and let him know you're interested at testmyisp.com

03 Jun 2010