FRANKFORT - Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced Thursday the launch of the Kentucky Broadband Speed Test, a crowd-sourcing project that will gather data from Kentuckians needed to expand internet home access for distance learning, telework and telehealth.

Kentuckians can take the free, anonymous speed test from Jan. 19 to Feb. 18 at the link below.

To participate, the device must be connected to your home Wi-Fi service and disconnected from a virtual private network that may be connected to a workplace or school. For the most accurate results, ensure that no one else connected to your home internet is using a substantial portion of the internet bandwidth for activities such as streaming video or gaming during the test.

Individuals without Wi-Fi access in their home can visit their local library or other locations such as stores or restaurants that offer free internet access to submit the address of a home with no available service.

This announcement comes after the Beshear-Coleman Administration first dedicated $8 million in CARES Act funding to broadband expansion in August 2020. Since then, Kentucky has reduced the number of students without internet access from 35,000 to 13,000. The speed test marks the second step in the state's initiative to build a better Kentucky for everyone through expanded broadband access.

In addition to finding out their own upload and download speeds, Kentuckians who participate in the speed test will help detect slow spots around the state and where Wi-Fi access and affordability are lacking.

The speed test can be done from any device connected to the Wi-Fi signal in your home.

On the Net:

Take the Speed Test