FCC Compliance Testing

We can test a range of speeds from 4/1mbps to 1 gig speeds. Contact us to test speeds higher than 1 gig.

Our team is very communicative throughout the testing process. 

Prices are based on your chosen speed tier. Bulk discounts available.

• Yes, in cases of major disruptive events (e.g., natural disasters) that negatively impact a carrier’s broadband performance, waivers or extensions may be granted by the relevant regulatory body (FCC for CAF/RDOF, NTIA/state for BEAD)

Carriers failing to meet the required performance standards may face withholding or recovery of support based on their level of non-compliance. There may also be a one-year “cure period” to address shortfalls, during which withheld funds may be recovered upon compliance. For RDOF, in the worst-case scenario (less than 55% compliant), up to 25% of monthly funding can be withheld. Even during pre-testing, failure to submit results can lead to a 5% funding withholding.

• CAF and RDOF: Quarterly filing and certification of results is required, typically within two weeks of the end of the quarter, starting in 2025 for CAF and 2026 for RDOF.

BEAD: Results are submitted to state broadband offices twice a year during the buildout and for 10 years after BEAD-funded networks are constructed.

• Yes, for CAF and RDOF, the FCC has a “pre-testing” mandate, allowing carriers to conduct performance measures testing and address issues without penalties before the formal testing and reporting period begins. For RDOF, pre-testing began in 2025, with official testing starting in 2026.

• For all programs, carriers can generally choose from:

• Utilizing the Measuring Broadband America (MBA) testing program.
• Using existing network management systems or tools (e.g., TR-143 Standard, ping tests).

Using a provider or vendor developed testing solution that uses software installed on residential gateways or  equipment attached to residential gateways, such as our Stamper Box.

• CAF and RDOF: The number of required testing locations varies based on the number of supported subscribers in each service tier per state:
• 50 or fewer subscribers: 5 locations
• 51-500 subscribers: 10% of total subscribers
• Over 500 subscribers: 50 locations

BEAD: Tests are administered to 10% of the customers of a given ISP across a whole state for each technology deployed. There is no cap on the number of locations, meaning larger networks may have significantly more test locations compared to CAF/RDOF.

For all programs, testing is generally conducted between 6:00 PM and 12:00 AM (local prime time), including weekends, to capture peak network usage.

• CAF and RDOF: Carriers are required to conduct one week of speed and latency testing at a random sample of supported subscriber locations in each quarter of the calendar year.

BEAD: Tests are typically conducted twice per year throughout the federal interest period (e.g., ten years for fiber networks after completion). States may, at their discretion, require more frequent testing (no more than quarterly).

• CAF (Connect America Fund):
• Speed: At least 80% of download and upload speed measurements must be at or above 80% of the CAF-required speed tier. For example, for 10/1 Mbps service, 80% of download tests must be ≥ 8 Mbps, and 80% of upload tests must be ≥ 0.8 Mbps.
• Latency: At least 95% of all network round-trip latency measurements must be at or below 100 milliseconds (ms) between the customer premises and an FCC-designated Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
• RDOF (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund):
• Speed: RDOF participants must offer broadband service at speeds consistent with their winning bids, which must be at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream (25/3 Mbps). Similar to CAF, 80% of download and upload speed measurements must be at or above 80% of the committed speed tier.
• Latency: Similar to CAF, 95% of all network round-trip latency measurements must be at or below 100 milliseconds (ms) between the customer premises and an FCC-designated IXP.
• BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment):
• Speed: At least 95% of speed tests must meet the committed speed for the project, which is typically 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (100/20 Mbps) for residential and business locations, and 1 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload (1/1 Gbps) for anchor institutions. For compliance, 80% of both download and upload speed measurements must meet or exceed 80% of the required speed.
• Latency: Latency must be under 100 milliseconds (ms) 95% of the time.

Reliability: Networks should be out of service no more than 48 hours during a year.

• All programs primarily measure:

• Download Speed: The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to the user’s device.
• Upload Speed: The rate at which data is transferred from the user’s device to the internet.
• Latency (Round-Trip Time – RTT): The time it takes for a signal to go from the user’s device to a server and back. Lower latency is crucial for real-time applications like video calls and online gaming.

Reliability (primarily for BEAD): Measures the uptime of the network, typically requiring minimal outage hours per year.

Broadband providers who receive support from programs like the Connect America Fund (CAF Phase II, ACAM, Enhanced ACAM), the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program are required to conduct performance testing.

The various federal agencies (FCC, NTIA) mandate this testing to ensure that consumers in supported areas receive the promised quality of broadband service, and to safeguard the investment of taxpayer dollars in expanding broadband access to rural and high-cost communities. It’s a critical component of ensuring accountability and closing the digital divide.

Federal broadband performance testing is a mandatory requirement for internet service providers (ISPs) receiving federal funding (such as CAF, RDOF, and BEAD) to expand or improve broadband service in unserved and underserved areas. These tests ensure that the broadband services delivered meet specific speed, latency, and reliability standards, holding providers accountable for the use of federal subsidies and guaranteeing quality service for consumers.