Clay County residents can shape the future of broadband in their communities by participating in an internet speed test, according to a county media release.  The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is enlisting the public’s help to track internet speed and develop a comprehensive Florida Broadband Availability Map. Resident participation will help the state identify gaps in high-speed internet service to advance the state’s overall broadband infrastructure expansion goals, according to the release.

The Department of Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband works with local and state government agencies, community organizations, and private businesses to increase the availability and effectiveness of broadband internet throughout the state, specifically in small and rural communities. Through these partnerships, the Office of Broadband encourages investment in grant funding opportunities for broadband programs, the release states.

The speed test will measure the speed of internet transmission between residents’ devices and an outside server. The speed test can be completed using any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. After taking the speed test, participants will receive immediate results. The data collected from the internet speed tests will be displayed on the Florida Broadband Availability Map in real time.

“A priority of the Board of County Commissioners is to extend internet service to every household in Clay County,” said Commission Chairman Wayne Bolla, in the release. “The information obtained from taking the speed test will help determine the best way to accomplish that goal. I encourage everyone in Clay County to take the internet speed test from home so we can get an accurate measurement of current broadband service availability and determine precisely where improvements are needed.” 

Residents without broadband service should select the “provide an address with no internet service available” option during the internet speed test. This information is needed to prioritize areas most in need of internet service. For more information and to take the test, visit https://floridajobs.org/com…/broadband/office-of-broadband.