The Federal Communications Commission has announced a challenge for software developers to create apps that help people monitor Internet openness.

The FCC says its Open Internet Challenge is about the development of apps that provide users with information about  the extent to which their fixed or mobile broadband Internet services are consistent with the open Internet. These software tools could, for example, detect whether a broadband provider is interfering with DNS responses, application packet headers, or content.

“This challenge is about using the open Internet to protect the open Internet,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

“Our goal is to foster user-developed applications that shine light on any practice that might be inconsistent with the free and open Internet.  Empowering consumers with information about their own connections will promote a vibrant, innovative, world-leading broadband ecosystem.”

The winners of the Open Internet Challenge will be invited to FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., to present their work to the Commission and be honored with an FCC Chairman’s reception.  Winners will have their apps and research featured on the FCC’s website and social media outlets.  Winners will be reimbursed for authorized travel expenses.

The submission deadline for the challenge is June 1, 2011, and a public voting period will run from June 15, 2011 through July 15, 2011. Winners will be announced in August 2011.