St. George residents encouraged to take one-minute internet speed test

The Utah Broadband Center, powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, launched the Utah Internet Speed Test in early March. Utahns were asked to test and report their internet connectivity in a statewide effort to identify areas of low or no access to high-speed internet.

Since the launch of the campaign, there have been 12,258 Speed Tests completed. The Utah Broadband Center will use the data gathered from the Internet Speed Test to identify and prioritize broadband expansion programs.

The campaign kick-off has seen great participation along the communities of the Wasatch Front. However, more data needs to be collected in Utah’s remote and rural communities. Fast and reliable internet expands opportunities for rural economic development and allows local governments, tribal governments, small businesses, families and individuals to connect to vital online services such as distance learning, telehealth and remote working.

“Access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity has become increasingly important in our daily lives, and without it, individuals lack access to critical digital resources, such as distance learning, telework, and telemedicine,” said Ryan Starks, Go Utah’s Managing Director of Business Services.

He continued, “The pandemic has heightened the awareness and need for robust internet service statewide, and we encourage all Utahns to take just one minute to participate in the Internet Speed Test.”

All individuals are encouraged to take the Internet Speed Test wherever they learn, work, play or connect to the internet. Mapping areas with access to reliable, high-speed internet is just as important as identifying communities without access to the internet. The Internet Speed Test can be taken multiple times and on different devices.

The public is encouraged to go to speedtest.utah.gov to self-report their internet speed. The deadline for completing the Internet Speed Test has been extended to Saturday, April 30. Within the test, individuals can also identify areas where internet is unaffordable. Those without internet access can call the hotline at 1-435-777-TEST (8378) to report why they don’t have internet access.

The Utah Speed Test, which is available in English and Spanish, is secure and the results are anonymous. Data collected will include the location, internet speed and monthly internet cost.

About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Under Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s direction, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) provides resources and support for business creation, growth, and recruitment. Go Utah powers the Utah Broadband Center. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, the office administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development and the most opportunity for Utahns. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.

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