Officials encourage Flagler County residents to take ‘internet speed test’ to ID gaps

The test, at www.FasterFlorida.org, can be completed on any device and from any location.

By Julie Murphy
| 2:10 p.m. December 19, 2022

Palm Coast Observer
News

Flagler County officials — on behalf of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity — are encouraging residents to take an anonymous one-minute speed test to help identify opportunities for expansion of broadband services in Florida. The test, available at www.FasterFlorida.org, can be completed on any device and from any location.

“The recent launch of Florida’s Broadband Speed Test, and the corresponding availability map, is testament to the state’s continues commitment to boosting infrastructure by giving communities like ours the opportunity to provide information to support decisions about broadband internet expansion,” said Deputy Flagler County Administrator Jorge Salinas, who has been working on the county broadband initiative to bring internet access to underserved areas.

The speed test results will populate the “Broadband Availability Map” in real time with the location’s internet speed and responsiveness to help develop the state’s strategic plan for broadband.

Flagler County in November 2021 voted to negotiate a contract with a subsidiary of Charter Communications to build connections over 187 “route miles.”

The likely timeline for completion of Phase 1 of the three-phased project is the end of 2023, barring circumstances outside of company control like permitting delays.