Consumer group asks for 4G data-speed disclosures

A consumer advocacy group today filed a petition that asks Federal Communications Commission to require wireless telecommunications companies to be more transparent about their network data speeds.

Consumer Watchdog says the companies should provide more information that gives consumers a more accurate measurement of how fast their cellphones and other mobile devices will work with the carriers’ 4G networks.

In its petition, Consumer Watchdog says the claims that carriers make about their 4G data speeds aren’t based on global technical standards. The organization also claims that carriers advertise 4G network capability without improving their network or providing quantitative information about how their 4G network is faster than another carrier’s 4G network.

Consumer Watchdog wants FCC to set standards that require carriers to disclose their average local and national data speeds, so consumers can make informed comparisons when they shop for a 4G-compatible mobile device.

However, a spokesperson for Consumer Watchdog told Consumers Digest that the organization didn’t have a specific plan as to how FCC should require 4G information to be disclosed to consumers.

FCC didn’t respond to Consumers Digest’s inquiries.