By: Paige Britt, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – Since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the nation in March of 2020, online resources have become more prevalent in people’s lives than ever. Schooling, doctor’s appointments, and meetings can all be done from the safety and comfort of one’s home. While for some it is a preference, for others it is a necessity to be able to access the outside world solely from their computer.
To ensure that New Jersey families have efficient access to the internet from their homes, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has created the Broadband Assessment survey. The goal of the survey is to learn more about internet speed and access in New Jersey communities and how it can be bettered by the government. The survey asks questions about cost of internet, use of internet, and strength of internet per household. Using federal and state grants, the NJ government plans to strengthen the internet connection in areas that report weak usage.
The Broadband Access Study Commission (BASC), established in 2021 by Governor Phil Murphy, will compile the data collected from the survey and present the state with recommendations on how to improve and expand high-speed, affordable, internet access.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso stated that what is learned from the survey will help shape the future of technology in the state.
“I am honored to chair the Broadband Access Study Commission, which will identify barriers to broadband service such as physical access, deployment, and affordability, and I ask residents from all areas of the state to take the survey to inform our work,” Fiordaliso said. “The final report will help us plan for a better technology future and forever change how children learn and families engage online with relatives, Telehealth services, and businesses and access information for years to come.”
To participate in the survey, visit https://www.broadband-nj.com/.
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