TestIT: How Fast is Your Broadband?

Now more then ever broadband internet is essential. Charleston County has been made aware of a program to test your speed AND improve internet access in the future.
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Learn More
Download the TestIt for Apple iOS
Download TestIt for Android

Test your connection in as many places as you can!

The TestIt app does not store personal data.

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Once you have tested your speed here are some tips to improve your internet speed NOW!

1. Cut off bandwidth leeches by updating your security
Sometimes improving your home internet speed is as easy as tightening up your home network security. Failure to add protection to your Wi-Fi network means opening your network to freeloaders. Extra users slow your internet connection by taking up internet bandwidth. 

2. Reset your router
It sounds simple, but sometimes resetting your router can speed up your internet. Just as restarting your computer can suddenly fix unknown computer issues, rebooting your wireless router can alleviate internet connection problems and boost your speeds.

3. Move your wireless router to an elevated, clear spot
It may seem obvious, but the location of your Wi-Fi router has a big impact on the strength of its signal. Position the device in a high, open space with limited obstructions for better Wi-Fi signal results.  As we already mentioned, signals travel perpendicular to your router.  If your router is on the ground, many of your Wi-Fi signals will travel horizontally along the floor and reach fewer parts of your home. You may be able to improve the signal and raise your internet speeds by setting up the router on the second floor if you have a multi-level home.   Placing your router too close to materials like concrete or brick can limit its ability to broadcast to the rest of your home. The denser the objects around your wireless router are, the greater the signal loss.

4. Move your wireless router to a central part of your home
Again, since Wi-Fi signals spread perpendicular from your internet router, placing your router in a central spot can help maximize where your signals travel. Since you probably won’t hang your Wi-Fi router like a living room chandelier, here are some alternative locations you can place your router to boost your Wi-Fi signal and raise your internet speeds. 
Best places to put your internet router

• On a mantle in a central living room or family room
• On a small coffee table placed strategically in a central hallway or living space
• On the second floor landing if you don’t have a basement

Places to avoid putting your internet router

• In the kitchen where other devices emit waves that can interfere with your signal
• In a corner of your house or in a windowsill—most signals will travel outside where you’re not using them
• In the basement

Accurate connectivity data is the foundation for investments in broadband infrastructure. Unfortunately, connectivity data provided to the Federal Communications Commission is often inaccurate and inflated – leaving many rural communities overlooked and disconnected.

NACo has partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and Farm Credit to develop a mobile app designed to identify areas with low or no connectivity to help ensure adequate funding for broadband infrastructure is provided across the country.

“TestIT” is an iOS/Android mobile app that leverages a broadband sampling tool designed by Measurement Lab (MLab) to aggregate broadband speeds across the country from app users. With the press of a single button, users will be able to test their broadband speed from anywhere. Additionally, users will be able to compare their internet speeds to the national average and minimum standards established by the Federal Communications System. No personal information will be collected through this mobile app.

A snapshot of each sample will be sent to a database which will allow NACo and partners to analyze connectivity data across the country. The data collected through this app will help identify areas where broadband service is overstated and underfunded by comparing the data to the National Broadband Map.
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Your help identifying gaps in our nation’s broadband coverage is critical to making substantive changes to the process for reporting broadband service. We hope you will help shed light on this critically important issue and encourage your friends, family and constituents to join in the efforts as well!