The US Federal Communications Commission has launched a broadband test service to help consumers clock the speed of their Internet.

The site, which can be found here www.broadband.gov, aims at allowing consumers to compare their actual speeds with the speeds advertised. Apparently, the FCC is concerned that internet speeds lag by as much as 50 percent during busy hours.

In a press release FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the FCC's new digital tools will arm users with real-time information about their broadband connection and the agency with useful data about service across the country.

The FCC is also collecting information about where broadband is not available.