You can’t go an hour without hearing an ad from wireless carriers about how they have the fastest, biggest or best 4G network, but do you really have a way to test their claims? Per The Wall Street Journal, the Federal Communications Commission this week unveiled its new FCC Speed Test mobile app designed to measure speeds of wireless carriers’ mobile networks. The FCC will collect data from everyone who uses the app to make a big database showing which carriers offer the best speeds and most consistent service in different areas. The FCC unveiled a similar program for fixed broadband services back in 2011 that it has used to keep ISPs honest by comparing their advertised speeds to what they actually deliver. Android users can download the FCC’s app from the Google Play store here.

Prior to joining BGR as News Editor, Brad Reed spent five years covering the wireless industry for Network World. His first smartphone was a BlackBerry but he has since become a loyal Android user.