MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County residents can report their internet speed to improve the broadband service map and help support future broadband investment.
The County of Monterey Broadband Speed Campaign is asking all residents to tell the County about their internet speed at home, work or wherever they connect. Residents can check connectivity and service using a new Broadband Map consumer mapping tool.
“Is your internet speed less than what you pay for or is internet service not available in your area? Tell us about it,” the County stated in a news release. “High speed, high quality internet service is essential for modern life. The FCC has a new map showing where broadband service is — and is not. But is everyone getting the service they are entitled to?”
Through Jan. 13, residents can help Monterey County build an accurate picture of locations without internet service by going to mcbroadbandforall.org and filling out the report. The website is available in both English and Spanish.
The data collected will help:
- Identify areas of the county where homes and businesses lack high-speed internet connection;
- Discover which households do not have an internet connection and the reasons why;
- Direct funds toward providing reliable broadband access throughout the county;
- Help identify areas with the greatest need for internet speed by taking the Internet Speed Test, which only takes 60 seconds; and
- Help improve the accuracy of the FCC broadband map through direct community input.
If the reported service or speed is not available for purchase, residents can submit a challenge to correct the map.
“The data collected will be used to submit bulk challenges to the Federal Communications Commission and will be used to advocate for resources necessary to close the digital divide,” the County stated.
The campaign includes everyone, whether they have excellent internet speeds or no access at all.
If broadband service is not available in their area, residents can visit any Monterey County Free Libraries branch and submit the information using the available public devices, or call the County of Monterey Broadband Challenge line at 831-647-7777.
