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Delaware promoting statewide speed survey and speed test to address broadband challenges

Significant broadband deserts currently exist in Western Kent and Sussex Counties.

Gov. Carney recently earmarked $20 million to help fill broadband deserts throughout the First State. Part of that effort is now underway:

Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is partnering with Maryland-based CTC Technology and Energy to conduct a statewide speed survey.

“It’s really an opportunity for us as a State to get more granular in our understanding of our broadbands deserts,” said Jason Clarke, acting DTI CIO.

 

He says this survey is expected to help continue work already underway on the issue.

 

“We’ve had an initiative going on for years, where we’ve been expanding our fiber throughout the State and across the State," said Clake. "Building off of that led to broadband wireless and a relationship we currently have with Bloosurf (Wireless). In the process of that, this speed survey gives us an opportunity to really dig in.”

Clarke notes that broadband deserts mainly currently exist in Western Kent and Western Sussex Counties.

 

He says having reliable and affordable access to the internet is as essential now more than ever - for education, work and even healthcare.

Over the next 45 days, residents can log on here to test the speed of their computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Clarke says the information collected will be used to develop a statewide strategic plan to address rural and urban broadband challenges.

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.
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