By Staff Report Thursday, August 20th, 2015

The San Luis Obispo Economic Vitality Corp. and the Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast are releasing a survey to better understand the Internet needs of businesses, homes and schools in the region.

The survey will include field speed tests to confirm local broadband speed and service needs. The survey also asks businesses about their ability to access high-speed internet throughout the area, and what types of technologies they use in their businesses.

“Improved broadband is an asset in helping our local economy, and a goal of this project is to obtain information on unmet needs and opportunities for broadband expansion and adoption,” the groups said in a news release.

One of the biggest goals of the survey is to find areas with the greatest need for broadband Internet.

According to the Broadband Consortium, broadband Internet does not cover more than 70 percent of Ventura County. Members of the group previously told the Business Times that there are countless areas throughout the Tri-Counties with areas with little or no high-speed service.

The Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast was formed about a year ago to work with local and state governments to plan improvements to Internet infrastructure throughout the Tri-Counties.

Data obtained from the survey will be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission so it can better asses the region’s broadband needs.