MIT Study Finds Broadband Data Underestimated

A new study Understanding Broadband Speed Measurements by MIT researchers disputes the FCC’s claim that Internet data rates in the US are only half as high as those advertised to consumers. Methods typically used for measuring Internet data rates, the researchers say, underestimate the speed of the ISP-controlled access network and various other factors – including the location of test servers – can affect data results. The researchers say the government needs better data to establish policy. The MIT Internet Traffic Analysis Study (MITAS) has been presented to both the FCC and the US Federal Trade Commission; the research team will present a portion of its findings in October to the Telecommunications, Policy, and Research Conference in Arlington, Virginia.