Many Rhode Islanders already enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet. But we and the rest of the nation compete in a global economy where innovation and knowledge are primary drivers of economic growth. Like electricity a century ago, broadband is a foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life. We are increasingly reliant on broadband and the Internet across all aspects of our lives and simply couldn’t live without it.

Go to broadband.ri.gov to learn more about the project, and click on the “Test Your Internet Speed Now!” button to take a simple speed test and add your Internet location information to the Rhode Island broadband map.

Introducing Broadband Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island is participating in a national program called the Broadband Data and Development Program (BDDP) which is being spearheaded by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) of the US Department of Commerce.

The goal of BDDP is to develop a database and map supported by the NTIA and accessible to the general public of all of the broadband services available in the United States and its’ territories. All fifty states and six territories are contributing data to this effort. We are responsible for developing and managing the Rhode Island piece of the map which will also be made publically available.

How can you help?

Our team is working right now to collect the data and put together the map of available broadband (also known as high-speed Internet) in the State of Rhode Island.  But we need your help! The speed test, which is one of the methods we are using to verify the data being gathered for the map, is a very easy and an important way for Rhode Islanders to get involved in this effort.

Please go to our new website broadband.ri.gov and click on the “Test Your Internet Speed Now!” button. The more speed test information we get, the higher the confidence we can have in the mapping data. And if you can’t get high-speed Internet where you are, there is a place to report that as well.

Now is the time for Rhode Island to build on its broadband foundation and support the national agenda to increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Please take the speed test at broadband.ri.gov. We greatly appreciate your cooperation.