Internet access is essential to everyday life, whether it’s a part of your work day, family life, education, healthcare access, or another part of your day. Internet is not considered a luxury anymore in American society, as it is how many people gain access to critical resources from their local government, schools, and workplace. It is also a powerful economic tool that can help families seek better opportunities in and outside the home.
As part of a program to bridge the digital divide among families of different income levels, Hillsborough County is gathering information from residents and businesses to help develop a Digital Equity Action Plan. This plan will help the county to gain funding and provide increased, equitable, and effective internet service coverage throughout the county.
Part of this effort asks residents and businesses across Hillsborough County to complete an important 5-minute survey and speed test, which can be accessed at HCFLGov.net/Broadband.
The information provided by completing the survey will be incorporated into the consumer feedback portion of Hillsborough County’s assessment and be used to expand, review, and verify existing information regarding internet transmission speeds and the availability of broadband services. Ideally, the survey and the speed test should be taken from a non-cellular residential or business connection to determine broadband internet availability in a specific area.
For those with no or limited internet access, paper surveys are also available at all Hillsborough County public libraries. The survey will be open through Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.
