Friday, May 28, 2021
The federal government may think your Internet speed is good. But what do you think?
Many BC communities, including those in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), have raised concerns that the federal data on broadband Internet speeds may not accurately reflect the speeds experienced in homes, businesses, and other locations.
This data is important because it is used to determine eligibility for connectivity funding programs to improve service.
A key step in this process is to identify which communities in BC have noted inconsistencies between the 50/10 Mbps Internet speed that federal maps indicate should be available, versus actual Internet speeds currently experienced by residents and businesses in the area.
CSRD residents, businesses and community stakeholders can help ensure the correct data for Internet speed is recorded by taking part in a simple Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) test.
CSRD Directors are encouraging all residents to take part in the speed test. The more responses received from different locations across the region, the more accurate the broadband Internet speed data will be. The test can be taken multiple times in multiple locations, as Internet speed may vary.
The speed test can be accessed at the My Internet Performance Test webpage.
Columbia Shuswap Regional District Directors stress how important this issue is to the region, as access to high-speed Internet services improves access to healthcare, education, culture, public safety and economic activity.
The CSRD already has data showing local Internet speeds are lower in some areas than the federal data indicates. With the full support of the Board, the regional district is participating in the independent study being conducted by the Ministry of Citizens' Services, Union of BC Municipalities, and Northern Development Initiative Trust. Information and data analysis will take place this spring and summer with reporting of study results expected in fall 2021.
View the May 28 2021 Citizens Encouraged to Participate in Internet Speed Test (PDF).
