Residents Asked To Help Improve Internet Access In Hillsborough County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Internet access is essential to everyday life, whether it's accessing digital government services, e-learning, telehealth, remote work, e-commerce or another opportunity made possible by high-speed broadband access.

As part of a program to bridge the digital divide, Hillsborough County is gathering information from residents and businesses to help develop a Digital Equity Action Plan and gain funding to provide increased, equitable and effective internet service coverage throughout the county.

Part of this effort asks residents and businesses across Hillsborough County to complete a five-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 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.