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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah is about to get a broadband boost.
The State of Utah Broadband Project is gathering information about connection speeds so it can help expand high-speed coverage.
The U.S Department of Commerce says Utah leads the nation with the percentage of homes with high-speed internet access, and the project wants to learn what areas are still in need.
Mapping and planning Coordinator Tara Thue says expanding coverage has more benefits than just being able to read e-mail.
"I think it's important for us to focus on the impacts that broadband can have on people, whether we're talking about telemedicine, distance education, or public safety," Thue said.
The project wants people from around the state to visit the State of Utah Broadband Project website and test their connection. This information will be incorporated into an interactive map that will show where the greatest needs are.
The Governor's Office of Economic Development will use the map to work with businesses to plan how to reach the areas that lag behind. Spokesman Michael Sullivan says this project shows Utah is ahead of the curve.
"Having a good broadband infrastructure is as important to the economy as a good interstate system," he said.
CLICK HERE to go to the project's interactive map.
E-mail: ldaniels@ksl.com
