 Pima County encourages participation in challenge to improve home internet access
PIMA COUNTY, April 1, 2024 – Pima County is asking residents, especially those in certain ZIP codes, to take and report home internet speed tests that could help direct federal funds to improve broadband access in those areas.
Any County resident can access the speed test via pima.gov/speedtest and start by putting in their address in the search bar at the top left. The tests must be taken on a desktop or laptop computer and three tests, one per day, are required.
The goal is to gather data on internet speed, especially in areas that are considered unserved or underserved by high-speed internet, defined as an upload speed of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and a download speed of 20 Mbps.
Pima County’s Office of Digital Inclusion will use the speed test information to inform a challenge for federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Pima County is targeting the following ZIP codes as having the potential to qualify for part of the $42.45 billion available to states, territories, and the District of Columbia to increase broadband access to customers:
- 85629
- 85641
- 85653
- 85658
- 85715
- 85730
- 85735
- 85739
- 85746
- 85747
- 85748
- 85749
- 85756
Tests can be reported through May 14.
Residents in the targeted areas will be receiving postcards in the mail about the speed tests, although data from other areas is welcome as it provides a more detailed map of internet access in Pima County.
“This is a great opportunity for residents to help us close the digital divide and correct any inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map,” said Michelle Simon, director of the Office of Digital Inclusion. “An accurate map of broadband access will help us guide funds to those areas and those individuals who need it the most, whether it be for home, school or work.”
This BEAD challenge is part of the Office of Digital Inclusion’s mission to develop broadband access, increase availability to devices and technology, and improve digital literacy.
In June 2023, NTIA awarded Pima County $30.3 million to expand broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas of the county.
These efforts from the Office of Digital Inclusion align with the Board of Supervisors-approved Economic Development Plan and the County’s Prosperity Initiative, a multi-jurisdictional set of 13 policy strategies aimed to reduce generational poverty and improve economic opportunity for all.
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