The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) on Wednesday announced that it is requesting information on broadband internet access and speed from Alabama residents and businesses.

All Alabamians are encouraged to take ADECA’s internet speed survey to help the State locate gaps in broadband service. The information gathered will then be used for planning efforts to help fill those gaps.

In a statement, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell explained why this is especially important in light of recent events.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to work and complete school from home and further highlighted the importance of having access to high-speed internet across the state,” Boswell said. “Taking this speed survey will help us get the data we need to plan our efforts to help close those service gaps.”

Many Alabama homes and businesses are likely receiving less than the current federal definition of broadband service, which is 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and three Mbps upload speed. The information gathered from ADECA’s speed survey will help pinpoint the specific areas that lack this coverage. ADECA stressed that addresses will not be made public, and the information will be used solely for the State’s planning efforts.

“Access to broadband is also a big economic driver for recruiting industry and jobs,” Boswell concluded. “This is a quick and easy step you can take to show us if there is a coverage gap in your area. We encourage all Alabama residents and businesses to take the speed survey and help us continue Gov. Kay Ivey’s efforts to grow Alabama’s economy.”

Take the survey here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn