Nebraska economic development group launches broadband mapping initiative

LINCOLN — An economic development group is making a push to see just how disconnected rural Nebraska is when it comes to broadband access.

The Nebraska Regional Officials Council launched a statewide broadband mapping initiative last month. Tom Bliss helps oversee the project as the Executive Director of the Southeast Nebraska Development District. He says the initiative aims to get accurate data on internet speeds across the state.

“One of the things we’re hoping we can do it hold the provider’s feet to the fire and bring them to the table, encourage them to make investments into these small towns," Bliss said. "This data will hopefully be able to drive that conversation or drive that investment.”

Here’s what the organizers want you to do. Visit nebraskaspeedtest.org, click on the one-minute speed test and follow the instructions. Bliss says a geospatial engineering firm is taking the data and entering it into a dynamic mapping tool.

“So you get a pretty good understanding of where the current speeds are across the state," Bliss said. "I’ll say that there are a lot of red dots out there. That means that speeds Nebraska residents are getting are below the definition of broadband.”

Organizers of the initiative plan to share the data with elected officials, businesses and the public. Bliss hopes improved broadband can spark economic growth.

“Broadband unleashes that entrepreneurship and empowers small businesses to compete online," Bliss said. "The world can be your list of clients. That’s why we know it’s important.”