For the first time, Alabama has a detailed map that shows where the state lacks proper broadband connectivity. This week, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), released the state’s official Alabama Broadband Map and Connectivity Plan! This innovative mapping tool will guide the state’s efforts to address broadband accessibility gaps. Thrive Regional Partnership took part in several stakeholder meetings as Alabama took on this project, so we are incredibly excited to see it released to the public.
After months of collaborative work with stakeholders like Thrive, as well as the participation of 57 broadband internet service providers (ISPs) the Alabama Broadband map will be used to better determine eligibility for state and federal broadband investment to connect unserved areas. The map will also facilitate the ISPs expansion planning efforts by providing a more accurate depiction of broadband speeds and technology throughout the state. The Alabama Broadband Map is the official broadband map for the state of Alabama. You can find it at https://broadband.alabama.gov.
ADECA also released the Alabama Connectivity Plan which uses mapping data to recommend strategies for broadband expansion. The plan is available at https://adeca.alabama.gov/broadband.
Governor Kay Ivey has long supported the expansion of broadband across the state and commended the completion of the map and plan. “Broadband is vital infrastructure for Alabama, and this new map gives us the clearest and most accurate picture to date of broadband availability throughout the state,” Governor Ivey said. “Expanding access to high-speed internet will help bring more jobs, improve educational opportunities and bolster our economy. I commend ADECA, the internet service providers, and all others involved in this mammoth effort to create this valuable new tool that will enhance our efforts to provide broadband services to every corner of Alabama.”
This map and connectivity plan means that Alabama will no longer be reliant on federal data that allowed a census block to be claimed if an ISP delivered service to one address in the area. This inaccurate data made much of the state ineligible for broadband funding despite many households not having access to broadband services.
“ADECA is working with Gov. Ivey, the Legislature, and the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to expand access to broadband so that Alabamians have access to the tools they need to participate fully in the modern economy,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “We are excited about the creation of this broadband map as it gives new insights to guide these efforts while also providing resources to better inform the public. ADECA’s effort to gain deeper insights into Alabama’s digital accessibility was made possible by the significant participation of the state’s ISPs. “This map would not have been possible without the participation of internet service providers,” Boswell said. “We thank every internet service provider who participated for their willingness to help us further this vitally important mission.”
The other uses the Alabama Broadband map and website enables include:
- The public can research broadband availability and speeds across the state.
- The public can run a speed test and provide information about their current connectivity.
- Elected officials can evaluate broadband accessibility for their constituents.
- ISPs and other organizations can challenge the information on the map, contributing to its accuracy and usefulness.