An organization that’s working to improving broadband coverage throughout the state says a newly released interactive map will encourage broadband expansion and business development. Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers says the map, “My Connect View,” is better than the old one because it’s more user-friendly and has features like real-time updating and multiple layers that can be turned on and off.
You can type in an address and a list of local service providers will pop up along with a rating of the area’s coverage and speed.
“Whether it’s a large manufacturing company that’s looking at moving in or relocating or setting up a second site, to a small organization that maybe just needs regular email transportation of data, regular file transfer and nothing really robust, but it is definitely something that is continually asked. It is the rule, not the exception,” Kuhlers explains.
Kuhlers says almost 98% of the state has access to high speed internet. “There are pockets of the state that always change and it’s always for the better obviously,” Kuhlers says. “Speeds are always increasing. More, better broadband infrastructure is being replaced. Maybe a DSL connection is being replaced by fiber to the home, for example.”
Kuhlers says the map will also help promote internet literacy because community leaders can use it to decide where computer skills workshops and internet cafes are needed. The map went online late last month.