Lawrence, Martin residents urged to take broadband speed test

Bridging the digital divide has never been more important. High-speed, functional Internet is a critical service that now facilitates the delivery of healthcare, education and remote work.

“We’re living in the golden age of broadband and broadband funding right now,” said Colby Hall, executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR). “Never before has there been such consensus around the importance of solving this problem that especially affects our rural, mountainous communities in Eastern Kentucky.”

To be in a position to apply for and receive state and federal broadband funds targeting unserved and underserved areas, data from sources like the Kentucky Broadband Speed Test are critical to showing a clear path to where broadband is needed most, Hall said.

But the response rates from Lawrence and Martin counties are below where they need to be for this data to be utilized, he said.

“We’re working with several different counties in Eastern Kentucky with Lawrence and Martin counties being two of them that are under the minimum 4 percent household response rate needed for this speed test data to be useful,” Hall said. “It’s really important residents in these two counties take this test and then get a friend, family member, or neighbor to take it as well.”

Counties unable to hit 4 percent likely will not be as competitive for future grant funding compared to other counties and cities across the state with higher response rates, according to Hall.

The Kentucky Broadband Speed Test is in partnership with Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, the Center for Rural Development and SOAR.

To take the test, visit speedtest.ky.gov, and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page. It takes around 45 seconds to complete.