The French regulator introduces new requirements for testing services such as an increase in testing capacity and the provision of additional information to users.
A code for internet testing services: ARCEP has had in place a code of conduct for internet quality of service since December 2018. The code is directed at companies that carry out measurements such as online speed tests. This is part of ARCEP’s approach to measuring broadband quality, which shifted from the regular publication of QoS tests, to an open approach in which the code sets the criteria for tests to be transparent and reliable.
New requirements in the updated code: On 14 September 2020, the regulator updated the code, to increase the transparency and robustness of testing protocols and of the publication of the results. Testing services will have to tell users about factors affecting the measurement (such as Wi-Fi), display a median value for certain parameters (notably latency), introduce a minimum capacity for test servers, and specify the capacity for servers testing in IPv6. ARCEP will publish a list of services which declare themselves compliant with the code.
The ‘Access ID Card’ API is coming: ARCEP has also been working on an API to be installed on internet boxes, and directly accessible to the testing services compliant with the code. The API sends information when an xDSL, cable or FTTH customer performs a QoS test. The API makes it possible to characterise the user environment at the time of testing, without diminishing the quality of the user experience. Following several testing stages, by July 2022 the API will be installed on virtually all internet boxes covered by ARCEP’s decision of October 2019.
