The National Broadband Map shows the 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage areas reported by each mobile provider. These maps reflect where subscribers should be able to receive mobile connectivity when outdoors or in a moving vehicle; they do not show indoor coverage.
If you want to test the accuracy of the coverage and speed information shown on the map, you can download the FCC Speed Test app on your iOS or Android device and start taking speed tests.
The results of Challenge and Crowdsource speed tests will be automatically sent to the FCC. Challenge tests will be used to dispute a mobile service provider’s claimed coverage on the map. Challenge Speed Tests may not be taken indoors; they must be taken outdoors or in a moving vehicle. Speed tests conducted indoors are not valid challenges and may result in the challenge being overturned.
QuickCheck speed test results do not challenge the coverage shown on the National Broadband Map.
Learn how to run a challenge speed test using the app.
What Happens to My Speed Test?
Tests are validated to ensure each speed test was taken within the provider’s claimed coverage area and between the hours of 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time. Valid speed tests from both consumers and other entities will then be aggregated and analyzed at the end of each month. Once there are enough “failed” tests (i.e. showing speeds below 5/1 Mbps for 4G, or 7/1 or 35/3 Mbps for 5G) within a certain area and at different times of day, a challenge will be created.
After a challenge is created, the provider subject to the challenge has 60 days to respond. The provider may either concede or rebut a challenge. To rebut a challenge, a provider must submit either on-the-ground speed test data or, in some circumstances, information about its network infrastructure. If a challenge is conceded by a provider or upheld by the FCC, the provider will have 30 days to update its mobile availability coverage data to indicate on the National Broadband Map that the challenged area was shown to have insufficient coverage.
You will receive an email if your test contributed to a challenge being created and sent to your provider. You will also be notified if and when the challenge results in a change in the coverage maps.
You can also see all the Challenge and Crowdsource mobile speed tests you submitted using the app by logging into the Map (for information on how to do that, see How to View and Manage Location, Availability and Mobile Challenges). You will also be able to see if the Challenge tests resulted in a challenge that was sent to the mobile provider for a response.
Individual challenge speed tests will continue to be analyzed in the process of creating challenges for one year. Any tests that do not result in creating a challenge may still be used by the FCC to verify the accuracy and reliability of the mobile broadband coverage data submitted by providers.
Find out more about the FCC’s Mobile Speed Test App: