Media contact: Devyn Giannetti: (216) 225-9813; dgiannetti@cuyahogacounty.us

Data from Test to Determine Areas of Opportunity for Enhancing Internet Access

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The Cuyahoga County Office of Innovation & Performance launched an Internet Service Speed Test and Survey that County residents can complete to determine connectivity across the County.

In collaboration with Measurement Lab, Marconi Society, and X-Lab at Penn State University, data compiled from this pilot program will provide local leaders and community members with increased information on internet access in Cuyahoga County and identify gaps in connectivity to better target investment in underserved communities.

“Giving residents access to low-cost, high-speed internet is a key way to lift communities in Cuyahoga County,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “Along with the many other ways we’ve been bridging the digital divide for many years now, this will help us better determine, down to the street level, how to provide a connection to those who need it.”

Currently, almost 19 percent of homes in the County lack in-home internet access of any kind, making it difficult for kids to do homework, for residents to apply for jobs, and for easy access to medical records in an increasingly digital world.

“As we continue to navigate through the uncertainties of the pandemic, the stability of our local economy and continued opportunities for our residents rely on sufficient and dependable home internet access,” said Marconi Society Executive Director Samantha Schartman. “The Marconi Society empowers communities and local leaders with tools to collect the data they need to gain access to state and federal funding that will provide this essential service to all people everywhere.”

With just one click, residents can perform a speed test in their homes that takes less than one minute to run. They can also answer questions about their internet service provider, how much they pay for internet monthly, how satisfied they are with their service and any issues they regularly experience with their service.

“Measurement Lab’s mission is to measure the Internet, save the data, and make it universally accessible and useful,” said Measurement Lab Project Director Lai Yi Ohlsen. “We believe that in order to build a healthier internet, we need to collect as much data as possible about how it is currently working and for whom.”

The Internet Service and Speed Test and Survey will be available through November 2021 and can be found on the County website.