Augusta Township Takes First Step to Improve Broadband Coverage

Deploys Internet Performance Benchmark

Maynard – Augusta Township is launching the CIRA Internet Performance Test (IPT) to provide a benchmark in planning for region-wide broadband service. The IPT was developed by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), the agency responsible for Canada’s “.ca” Internet domain name.

“We are making a commitment to a ‘digital future’ for Augusta Township,” said Jeff Shaver, Mayor. “The CIRA IPT will enable us to find precisely where we need to provide broadband infrastructure to improve services.”

“Access to the digital world is critical to the future of Augusta Township. We need to make sure the digital opportunities are wide open for our healthcare, economy, and sustainability. Broadband is especially critical for education; this has been called the ‘cruelest gap’ because today, most high school homework requires an internet connection. With proper planning and benchmarking from the IPT system, we will solve that challenge.”

The IPT is purely voluntary. Internet users simply click on the IPT URL and the test – measuring 100 different aspects of network performance – is done within seconds. Users will be able to immediately see their Internet speed. While the IPT is specific to each particular test location, be it a house or an office, the test is anonymous; it does not ask for or record names. Taken together, the tests form a map of Internet performance in our Township.

“We are excited that Augusta Township is using the IPT,” stated CIRA IPT Program Manager, Jeff Buell. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made access to high-quality internet services more important than ever. Augusta Township is showing leadership in its role to shape Canada’s internet in rural areas.”

“Since its launch over 30 years ago the Internet has created an economy worth more than $14 trillion CAD,” noted i-VALLEY Canada President, Terry Dalton. i-VALLEY is a partner with CIRA. “Almost every single business in this digital economy was a start-up three decades ago. Now, ‘digital’ drives the world economy, and more than half the world is online. Augusta Township will not only be giving its citizens access to that world but will be monitoring its progress as the years go on, to make sure that that there is equitable coverage throughout the Township.”

Jeff Shaver added, “The Internet Performance Test will give us information that will help us continue to invest in the Internet and create a community in which families choose to live.”

The IPT measures some 100 different Internet connection factors beyond the speed of the network, to give planners information on latency (how much delay is in a connection) and the ability of a
computer to connect with the latest Internet Protocols. The IPT will map the ‘digital divide’ for rural communities and help Augusta Township prioritize those areas with poorer service.

If a user has no Internet connection at all, this must be reported as well. Please go to a location with a connected service and follow the instructions on the IPT website for registering.

Please note that if the test does not run for some reason, there may be a problem with the residential service setup.

To take the test in Augusta Township, go to this URL: https://performance.cira.ca/Augusta Click on START.