The test, called “Accelerate Virginia,” asks simple questions and gauges the speed of the connection, as well as information on what others in the same ZIP code are reporting about broadband service.
Growing infrastructure, including broadband access, is part of UMW’s economic development initiative for the Fredericksburg region.
Developed by Virginia Tech, the free test is available online and on both Android and iPhone mobile platforms.
To take the test online go to acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest. For Android phones, go to http://tinyurl.com/mh3tmfu. For iPhones, go to http://tinyurl.com/q6p9vw9.
Those with questions or those who do not have access to Internet services and would like to register their broadband dead zone can call 540/231-2270 or email vplymale@vt.edu.
Linda Worrell, with the UMW Center for Economic Development, said connection speeds along Interstate 95 are adequate, but can drop off quickly just a couple of miles off of that thoroughfare.
“It impairs employees’ ability to work from home and hinders real estate in those areas,” she said.
Areas of particular interest include King George and Caroline counties. The business development areas in Spotsylvania and Stafford counties are also locations UMW and the commission hope to gauge.
Tim Ware, executive director of the George Washington Regional Commission, said the test will provide a better idea of where localized dead zones are so the group can move forward with a plan and potentially form a public–private partnership to serve those areas.
In a recent ranking of Virginia localities based on the percentage of the population with broadband access, Fredericksburg came in the middle of the pack, with speeds close to those in Hampton. But Stafford and Spotsylvania were further down the list. And Caroline and King George were among the lowest ranked.
The survey will run until the end of March.
©2015 The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, Va.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
