Dauphin County Residents Can Use TestIt App to Improve Future Broadband Access

In response to broadband issues uncovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dauphin County is working on a comprehensive strategy to expand broadband infrastructure to provide access for families, students, and workers.

Some rural communities in northern Dauphin County are lacking strong internet and broadband presence, and federal funding does not always reach communities in need due to incomplete mapping of broadband strength.

Our partners at the National Association of Counties (NACo) recently made the Board of Commissioners aware of a phone app that tests broadband strength at the user’s location and whether it meets the Federal Communications Commission benchmark for connectivity.

This data is sent to NACo for submission to the FCC to include for future mapping of broadband needs in Dauphin County. These maps, in turn, inform decisionmakers on where to invest infrastructure dollars critical for future broadband projects.

The app is free, secure and does not collect any personal information from your mobile device.

The Dauphin County Commissioners are offering information about this app for consideration.

“Our goal as county commissioners is to put as many people and families on the digital grid as possible, and this app provides our state partner and the federal government more accurate connectivity data,” Commissioner George P. Hartwick said.

The county does not receive any sort of fee or commission for use of the app; rather, we present it as an option.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett Hambright, Press Secretary, 717-780-6311; bhambright@dauphinc.org.