Broadband Mapping with TestIT App
Equitable broadband internet is imperative to the prosperity of rural America—and America as a whole—because 60 million Americans live, work, and raise children in rural areas. Now, more than ever, rural broadband access is the lifeline that leads to healthy economies and communities.
Having accurate broadband connectivity data to highlight under-connected rural communities is important. That's why Rural LISC has partnered with the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), Farm Credit, and Land O’Lakes to create the TestIT Mobile App to collect accurate data, helping bridge the economic divide by advocating for a stronger and more connected future for small towns everywhere.
Outdated broadband mapping techniques limit Congress’ ability to accurately identify and allocate broadband resources across much of America. In response, the partners developed a mobile app that harnesses grassroots advocacy by empowering individual users to accurately identify areas with low or no internet connectivity.
In aggregating the data to identify gaps in broadband coverage, we discovered that over half of our nation’s counties — on average — are experiencing Internet speeds below 25 megabits per second (mbps) which is the federal definition of minimum broadband. Additionally, 65 percent of counties are experiencing service levels below what has been reported by the industry.
Over half of our nation’s counties — on average — are experiencing Internet speeds below 25 megabits per second (mbps) which is the federal definition of minimum broadband standards. Additionally, 65 percent of counties are experiencing service levels below what has been reported by the industry.
Take the TestIT App Test Yourself
1. Download the app on your phone
2. Open TestIT and click “Test Speed Here”
3. That’s it! The app does the rest.