Check your Internet speed

Have you ever wondered what just how fast your Internet service really is? A website from the Nebraska Public Service Commission can help answer those questions.

The website, broadbandmap.nebraska.gov, is part of the Nebraska Broadband Initiative, which aims to increase broadband access and adoption, especially in rural areas. The Nebraska Public Service Commission contracted with BroadMap to collect, verify, report and map the availability of broadband Internet access by location within Nebraska.

Data provided by the Internet Service Providers was submitted to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, within the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the map reflects Nebraska information. On that site, visitors can type in an address and find out what companies provide service to their address and what specific services are offered, said PSC Commissioner Tim Schram of Gretna.

Visitors to the website also can conduct a test to determine the speed their computer or laptop is achieving from the broadband service they are connected to when the test is performed.

“The state map will serve as a useful tool for consumers when they discuss with providers the availability of broadband service in their community,” said Commissioner Frank Landis of Lincoln.

Schram explained that as more and more Nebraskans get access to and subscribe to broadband service, online applications will evolve. This will require more speed, which likely will be a future area of emphasis for the broadband data collection program.

Commissioner Jerry Vap of McCook noted the site also includes a section for people to offer feedback about their service. Such feedback is critical to improving service and verifying that the data is accurate, he said. For example, the data about where providers offer service was collected from the providers themselves; if a broadband user knows a certain provider does not offer service in an area the provider’s data says they do, the PSC wants to know.

“This effort is an important continuation of the broadband studies the commission conducted in 2006 and 2007 and will result in developing the specific information necessary to identify unserved and underserved areas in Nebraska and develop strategies to provide broadband to those areas, said PSC Chairman Rod Johnson of Sutton.

The State Broadband Initiative grant program is administered by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. Partners with the PSC, which received the grant, include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Nebraska Information Technology Commission’s Community Council, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the AIM Institute. They are working to develop and implement statewide and regional planning efforts to increase adoption and acceptance of broadband services across Nebraska.

“The purpose of the project is to not just map broadband availability, but to also increase the number of Nebraskans using broadband,” Commissioner Anne Boyle said.

For more information around adoption and utilization go to http://broadband.nebraska.gov. This site was developed to provide information to help Nebraskans understand what the possibilities are in using technology for business, education, and health care.

The Nebraska Broadband Initiative was funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which aims to increase broadband access. PSC received the federal grant. Partners with the PSC include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Nebraska Information Technology Commission’s Community Council, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the AIM Institute.

For more information about the Nebraska Broadband Initiative – feel free to contact Connie Hancock, UNL Extension – 308-254-4455 or [email protected].