The Broadband Speed Test Initiative was launched in Kentucky Thursday. The statewide test is to gather data needed to expand internet home access for school, business, telehealth and more.
As previously reported by the News Edge, Lake Barkley Partnership of Economic Development Executive Director Amanda Davenport said this week the speed test could be a game-changer for getting internet service in the underserved areas of Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston and Lyon counties.
Davenport also said one of the problems with internet service in our region is the current FCC map is inaccurate because the information regarding coverage is coming from the internet provider. She said the internet speed test will show the actual speed and internet service in our area and across the state.
According to Governor Andy Beshear’s office, to take the free, anonymous speed test your device must be connected to your home Wi-Fi service and disconnected from a virtual private network (VPN) that may be connected to a workplace or school. For the most accurate results, officials say you need to ensure that no one else connected to your home internet is using a substantial portion of the internet bandwidth for activities such as streaming video or gaming during the test.
If you do not have Wi-Fi access in your home, officials say you can visit your local library or other locations such as stores or restaurants that offer free internet access to submit the address of your home with no available service.
Governor Beshear says the state needs as many Kentuckians as possible to take this internet speed test, to get an accurate picture of who has adequate internet across the state. He adds the more speed tests taken, the better understanding they will have of our state’s internet capabilities, and the better prepared Kentucky will be to repair and expand it.
The governor also noted his budget proposal to the General Assembly contains $50 million dedicated to the last mile of broadband to areas in need. He says the historic investment would be the first time state money funded an expansion of broadband, which the pandemic has shown to be crucial for schools, telehealth, business, and more.
In August 2020, the Beshear-Coleman Administration dedicated $8 million in CARES Act funding to broadband expansion. Since then, the state has reportedly reduced the number of students without internet service from 35,000 to 13,000. Officials say the speed test marks the second step in the state’s initiative to build a better Kentucky for everyone through expanded broadband access.
Officials say Kentucky is partnering with GEO Partners LLC, as well as The Center for Rural Development, to obtain actionable data.
Kentuckians can take the speed test through February 18 by clicking here. The test can be done from any device connected to the Wi-Fi signal in your home.