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FCC Relying On Faulty ISP Performance Data

Posted by Soulskill on from the libraries-of-congress-per-microfortnight dept.

alphadogg writes "The FCC recently used speed test results from comScore as an absolute indicator of specific ISPs' performance. Consulting firm NetForecast analyzed comScore's testing methodology and data to assess whether it accurately reflects broadband ISP performance, and to assess the appropriateness of using the data to reach general conclusions about the actual performance ISPs deliver to their subscribers. NetForecast uncovered problems on both counts. They found that the effective service speeds comScore reports are low by a large margin (PDF) because its data calculations under-report performance and place many subscribers in a higher performance tier than they purchased."

3 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. comScore got it more or less right by Spazmania · · Score: 4, Insightful

    comScore got the data more or less right. The OP's main complaint seems to be that the speed is under-reported because packet loss causes the TCP session they used to slow down. Guess what? Packet loss causes the TCP session to slow down. Customers on ISPs with noticeable loss rates experience slower performance than the line's rated speed. Hello!

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    1. Re:comScore got it more or less right by COMON$ · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Ya I pay for the "Extreme" Roadrunner in my area. which gives me a better upstream for my telecommuting wife. supposedly 10M/1M but it is more like 3M/768k, most of this is due to really high latency and dropped packets. When it works it works, so I guess by this guy's definition I get my 10/1, just as long as you don't count the packet loss...

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      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
  2. Re:FCC is faulty? by Lunix+Nutcase · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No, but in contrast to a government operation there are a dozen other companies colluding with each other and trying to screw their consumers as much as possible.

    FTFY.