The eCorridors program at Virginia Tech is launching a statewide effort to engage and educate the public and raise awareness about broadband availability in Virginia. In the coming months, eCorridors will be conducting targeted campaigns to collect consumer Internet service details by leveraging information volunteered from end users through this enhanced version of the eCorridors speed test application and a new web portal called Accelerate Virginia.
As a partner in the Virginia broadband mapping initiative, eCorridors is responsible for collecting end-user Internet connectivity information, like connection speeds, quality of service, costs, etc. Given sufficient sample size, end-user information collected by Accelerate Virginia will be used to expand on provider data collected by the state to inform the main Virginia broadband map.
In addition, eCorridors will be producing value added alternative mapping and informational products such as, end-user generated maps and report generation tools. eCorridors will continue to periodically, and upon request, perform analyses of data collected from the Accelerate Virginia speed test application. As a research tool, Accelerate Virginia will be used to assess availability, affordability, and quality of Internet services across the state. These factors will be used to produce a number of analyses aimed at understanding broadband trends and issues.
Be a part of history
eCorridors and Accelerate Virginia are asking Virginia residents, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public safety groups and others to provide information about the quality of their Internet connection. eCorridors is looking to coordinate speed testing campaigns with community leaders to leverage their leadership and connections with local government, business, schools and residents. Concentrating collection efforts in planning districts will allow eCorridors to give focused attention to geographic divisions of the state.
Urge your community to participate in a local speed testing campaign. For more information and to organize a local speed test campaign in your area, contact Jean Plymale vplymale@vt.edu at (540) 231-2270. More resources are available in the Accelerate Your Community section of this site.
About eCorridors
Since 2000, eCorridors has conducted research on broadband availability, deployment, adoption, and usage in support of its mission to facilitate and promote the ability for every person, organization, and community in Virginia and beyond to have the capability, at a reasonable cost, to produce and access high volume information and services in the networked world.
About Virginia Tech
Founded in 1872 as a land-grant college, Virginia Tech is the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is among the top research universities in the nation. Today, Virginia Tech's nine colleges are dedicated to quality, innovation, and results through teaching, research, and outreach activities. At its 2,600-acre main campus located in Blacksburg and other campus centers in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Southside, and Roanoke, Virginia Tech enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries in 180 academic degree programs.
Understanding Broadband
Accelerate Virginia Speed Test (BETA)
Help Accelerate Virginia map current Internet availability throughout the Commonwealth. Run the speed test and get an instant review of your broadband speed connection, as well as a survey of what others in your community are reporting.
Accelerate Your Community
Take an active role in the Accelerate Virginia project and be a part of history. Access resources and learn how you can organize a local speed test campaign in your area.
Connect With Us
Tell us your story about how high-speed Internet has made an impact in your life, or in your community. If you do not have access to broadband in your area, let us know your concerns.
