Calling on all Utahns to participate in a one-minute speed test to identify areas with low or no high-speed internet access
The Utah Broadband Center, powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, has launched a statewide internet speed test campaign for Utahans to report their internet speeds at home, at work or wherever they connect.
In partnership with GeoPartners, a geospatial engineering firm, data from the Utah Internet Speed Test campaign will be mapped and used to identify areas where high-speed Internet access is low or non-existent. The Utah Broadband Center will use this data to direct resources toward projects that increase high-speed Internet access for all Utahans and increase the state’s knowledge of Internet availability in Utah.
All Utahns are encouraged to go to speedtest.utah.gov to self-report their internet speed. Individuals can also identify areas where service is poor or non-existent, or where internet access is unaffordable as part of this test and survey.
People without internet access can call the helpline at 1-435-777-TEST (8378) to report why they don’t have internet access. The Utah Internet Speed Test, available in English and Spanish, is secure and the results are anonymous. Data collected will include location, internet speed, and monthly internet cost.
High-speed Internet connection has become an integral part of our lives. Without it, there is a digital divide. Broadband is more than just Internet access; it’s about having the bandwidth to work, learn, or access health care reasonably from the office or home.
“Access to reliable and affordable Internet connectivity has become increasingly important in our daily lives, and without it, individuals lack access to essential digital resources, such as distance learning, telecommuting and telemedicine,” said Ryan Starks, general manager of Go Utah Business. Services, “The pandemic has raised awareness and the need for robust internet service across the state, and we encourage all Utahns to take just one minute to participate in the internet speed test.”
Utahns are encouraged to share this initiative by word of mouth or online, by referencing the Utah Internet Speed Test Campaign or by using the hashtag #UtahSpeedTestCampaign. The Utah Broadband Center would like to see friendly competitions between schools and communities. There is no limit to the number of times individuals can participate; multiple tests performed at different times help provide an accurate data set. The objective of the State is to guarantee everyone the possibility of accessing the Internet and to reduce the digital divide.
