Performance Measures Testing

(641) 755-2424

Panora Telco is Required to Collect Data on the Speed and Latency of Broadband Service

What is Performance Measures Testing?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a new compliance framework to ensure that broadband service subsidized by the Connect America Fund (CAF) meets basic speed and latency performance standards. This Performance Measures Testing aims to maximize the impact of CAF investments to close the digital divide in rural America and ensure that people living in rural communities have access to the same high-quality networks as those living in urban areas.

The FCC mandates that at least 80 percent of network speed measurements be at 80 percent of required speeds and 95 percent of latency measurements be at or below 100 milliseconds round-trip time. Carriers that fail to meet the performance measures standards required of their funds may face potential withholding of support.

Carriers must test speed and latency from the premises of a random sample of active internet subscribers.

Why is Panora Telco doing Performance Measures Testing?

Panora Telco is required by the FCC to do Performance Measures Testing since we receive money from the Connect America Fund. This money is used to recover some of the high costs to provide broadband service to our customers in the Panora Exchange.

How are participants chosen?

The Universal Service Administration Co. (USAC) randomly selects CAF-supported broadband locations with active subscribers. In the Panora Exchange, this will amount to about 345 locations that subscribe to Panora Telco broadband service. If you’re selected for testing, Panora Telco will notify you.

Do consumers have to participate in testing?

The FCC encourages consumers to participate in this important testing program, since it ensures that they’re receiving services that meet the speed and latency standards required by the federal program. It also demonstrates whether consumers are receiving the internet speed for which they’re subscribed and a latency suitable for today’s online activities.

However, consumers are under no obligation to participate.

What equipment will Panora Telco use for this testing?

Homes or small businesses that are part of the Performance Measures Testing sample will need to have a GigaSpire wireless router installed. It will automatically conduct the speed and latency tests.

What is a speed test?

A speed test is a single measurement of download or upload speed of 10 to 15 seconds duration between a specific consumer location and specific remote server location that meets the FCC requirements. Carriers must conduct at least one download test and one upload test during each testing hour at each testing location.

What is a latency test?

Latency is the amount of time it takes for a packet of data to be captured, transmitted, processed through multiple devices, then received at its destination and decoded. Carriers must conduct one discrete latency measurement or observation per minute (60 per hour) for each testing hour at each subscriber test location.

Will the testing allow Panora Telco to see how I use the internet?

No. The equipment used to measure speed and latency does not enable providers to see or track a customer’s online activity. Panora Telco will only receive data on speed and latency performance.

Will my internet service performance be impacted by the testing?

The GigaSpire Wi-Fi router that Panora Telco will use for the testing should have no adverse effect on your internet speed or latency. In some cases, this upgraded router may even improve broadband performance.

When will testing take place?

Performance Measures Testing will begin in the first quarter of 2022 as a pretesting requirement and take place each quarter during the remainder of 2022. Official testing begins in first quarter 2023 and will also take place quarterly. The sample randomly selected for testing in 2022 will be used for two years.

How can I get more information?

You can call the Panora Telco office at (641) 755-2424 if you have any questions or concerns about Performance Measures Testing. We’re also happy to help you evaluate whether your current internet connection is meeting your needs.