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Pima County requires residents, especially in certain zip codes, to take and report home internet speed tests, which could help direct federal funds to improve broadband access in those areas.
Sullivan Jackson received a grant to purchase 15 new laptops that people can use to search for jobs and organize resumes.
Any county resident can access the speed test at pima.gov/speedtest and first enter their address in the search bar in the upper left corner. The test must be taken on a desktop or laptop computer and requires three tests, one per day.
The goal is to collect data on internet speeds, particularly in areas considered unserved or underserved by high-speed internet, which is defined as an upload speed of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and a download speed of 20 Mbps.
The Pima County Office of Digital Inclusion will use speed test information to address federal funding challenges through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Pima County is targeting the following ZIP codes to potentially qualify for part of the $42.45 billion provided to states, territories and the District of Columbia to increase broadband access to customers:
- 85629
- 85641
- 85653
- 85658
- 85715
- 85730
- 85735
- 85739
- 85746
- 85747
- 85748
- 85749
- 85756
The deadline for test reports is May 14.
Residents in targeted areas will receive postcards about the speed tests, but data from other areas is welcome as it provides a more detailed map of internet access in Pima County
“This is a great opportunity for residents to help us close the digital divide and correct any inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map,” said Michelle Simon, director of the Office of Digital Inclusion. “Accurate broadband access mapping will help us direct funding to those areas and individuals who need it most, whether that’s homes, schools or jobs.”
The BEAD Challenge is part of the Office of Digital Inclusion’s mission to develop broadband access, increase device and technology availability, and increase digital literacy.
In June 2023, NTIA awarded Pima County $30.3 million to expand broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas of the county.
These efforts of the Office of Digital Inclusion are consistent with the Economic Development Plan approved by the Board of Supervisors and the County Prosperity Initiative, a set of 13 cross-jurisdictional policy strategies designed to reduce intergenerational poverty and improve outcomes for all economic opportunity.
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