Volunteers sought for EU broadband study

The European Commission and its technology partner, broadband performance measurement expert Sam Knows, are seeking 10,000 European volunteers for the largest broadband performance test ever undertaken.

The Commission has launched a pan-European project to map the broadband performance of all EU member states and three other nations, as part of a drive to help internet service providers, regulators and consumers improve internet services across the ­continent.

Volunteers are being sought in all 27 EU members and in Croatia, Iceland and Norway. They will also benefit by receiving detailed real-time data about the performance of their own connection, including speed and reliability.

To participate, consumers must visit www.samknows.eu to apply for a free Whitebox from Sam Knows.

Sam Knows chief executive officer Alex Salter said: “We are working to provide internet service providers, regulators and, most importantly, consumers with the information they need to push for improved broadband services.”

Volunteers will be sent a small device, the ‘Whitebox’, to plug into their internet connection. When the broadband line is not in use, the Whitebox will run a series of automated tests to measure the speed and performance of the connection.