Development of a web-based broadband mapping application

Abstract

Broadband mapping plays an intricate part in broadband availability. With a variety of methods existing in achieving broadband mapping, a more compact approach that is both easy to use and cost effective is necessary. Exploring the software approach using a web application, it becomes plausible to carry out broadband mapping. A three-in-one web-based broadband mapping application (www.speedtester.com.ng) capable of detecting the mapping location and measuring the speed of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) was developed. It also provides a facility for data storage and display on a map. The developed application was tested against an existing software to confirm its accuracy. The developed application showed significant accuracy, flexibility of usage along with its cost-effective implementation. In addition, the performance of three different ISPs at selected locations were evaluated using the developed application. The result shows that the minimum broadband speed benchmark set by the National Broadband Committee has not been realized for some ISPs. Hence, for optimal internet services, users can make informed decisions on the ISP services to utilize.