PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria County group is gauging the quality of internet in rural areas
The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council will send out surveys to homes and businesses in rural parts of the county. The purpose is to collect data on how fast internet speeds are.
Kathie Brown is the group’s Director of Rural Development and Outreach. She says most rural areas do not meet federal minimum guidelines for internet speeds, which is a download speed of 25 MBs and upload speeds of 3 MBs.
She adds that federal minimum may not even be enough in some places.
“If you’re in a household with multiple devices, that’s not adequate service,” Brown said.
Brown says having quality internet service is more than being able to watch videos or play games with devices. She says it’s also a health concern.
“Many health care providers today are asking for that intake interview that they do, at typically in a doctor’s office, that’s happening virtually,” Brown said. “And that’s a part of quality care and monitoring that patient’s well-being.”
In addition, Brown says important medical records are being viewed online.
Once the surveys are complete, she says the data will be used to determine which areas of the county to either expand or upgrade broadband internet access.
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