Residents can challenge latest version of Statewide Broadband Availability Map
New Internet availability map issued, open to challenges ... The State of Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer has released a new map showing reported availability of high-speed Internet throughout the state. The areas shaded in blue in the map image above are described as being likely eligible for upcoming grant funding programs due to lack of high-speed Internet connectivity. A detailed version of the map showing reported Internet speeds at individual residences and business is available at the Office of the Chief Information Officer website at https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband-availability-map-version-5. The Office of the Chief Information Officer is accepting challenges to the map from Iowa residents and businesses in regard to Internet availability, reliability and reported speeds through the end of the month of August, and local residents are being encouraged to participate in that survey.
Communities of Waukon and Lansing encouraged to complete speed test and survey by August 31
August 2, the Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer published a new version of the Statewide Broadband Availability Map, which is designed to facilitate decisions concerning future spending under federally-funded broadband programs. The Office utilizes maps and data sources made available by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), contractors and other third-party sources in compiling its own broadband availability map.
The most recent of those maps and the corresponding data sources represent the status of broadband availability in Iowa as of August 2 of this year. However, the Office of the Chief Information Officer is also seeking feedback from the very individuals who utilize the broadband services being reported, and local broadband Internet provider Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative is helping to facilitate that public response in order to give the most accurate picture of broadband availability within Allamakee County.
The public is encouraged to provide input by completing a short online survey into whether the map (an image of which appears at right) accurately reflects broadband Internet coverage and speed throughout the state of Iowa. The information collected through the survey will help communities secure grants for the future development of Internet resources - such as through the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Program, impacting economic development, entrepreneurship and educational opportunities. Residents and business owners are encouraged to complete this survey within the next couple weeks, no later than Wednesday, August 31.
The survey can be accessed at https://geosurveys.iowa.gov/addmissing/ or at acskyways.com/map-challenge by using a smartphone, tablet or computer to perform a speed test and report conditions of service at a home or business. It is recommended to have the location’s current Internet billing invoice handy to answer some of the questions in the survey regarding monthly charges and current speeds. The recommended best time of day to run the speed test is suggested from 6-8 a.m. or from 5-10 p.m.
Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative provides these helpful tips when completing the survey:
1. Address: When participants enter their street address, they will need to include street or road, etc., as well as their city, state and zip code.
2. Add Internet Provider: The questions on page two ask, “Have you contacted any providers that can serve or claim to serve this address? This may include your current Internet provider.” Note: If participants click “No,” their speed test will not run.
3. If clicking “Yes,” list current Internet provider.
4. Follow the prompts to go through the questions and complete the speed test.
5. Complete the short survey until arriving at the end, then click on the SUBMIT button.
Those who have additional questions regarding or completing the speed test survey should contact Allamakee Clayton REC Manager of Economic Development and Community Relations Brenda Hackman at bhackman@acrec.coop. Additional assistance and information about the survey and the broadband availability map can also be gained through the Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer website at https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband-availability-map-version-5.
