Investigating Sturgeon County’s home internet speeds
**The testing phase of this project is now complete. Over the next few weeks, Cybera will contact participants about: making arrangements for returning the speed test kits; sharing individual data; and distribution of appreciation gift cards.
Sturgeon County has teamed up with Alberta’s not-for-profit technology agency, Cybera, to test residents’ home internet speeds. Our goal is to identify infrastructure gaps and improve internet access for all Albertans, regardless of where in the province they live.
The federal government claims most homes in Sturgeon County already have access to high-speed internet. This project is helping us determine whether or not that is true. By better understanding the cause of residents’ poor internet experiences we can potentially unlock new solutions for Sturgeon County, from helping residents to upgrade their internet packages, to making the case for government funds for improved internet infrastructure.
How does the Sturgeon County broadband project benefit residents?
- By participating in this provincial home internet speed testing project residents help identify any discrepancies between the internet speeds advertised by providers and actual internet speeds experienced by residents, leading to potential improvements in service in Sturgeon County.
- The more residents who participate, the more accurate the results will be in representing individual homes' actual internet experiences, empowering the community to advocate for improved services and infrastructure.
- Improved broadband access can enhance educational opportunities, economic growth and the quality of life in Sturgeon County, benefiting all residents in the long term.
About the speed test:
A small device — called the Cheetah Networks’ PE241 — connected to a home's router or modem will measure only the speed and latency (e.g. the time it takes for data to be transmitted) of the home's internet connection for approximately one month. The time it takes for internet signals to be transmitted and received are measured to provide a snapshot of the home’s average internet speeds. This device cannot access anything stored on the participant's computer, devices or any internet content.
Example of the data collected by the speedtest device. The blue and red lines represent the upload/download speeds of the user, and the device records the speed (in milliseconds or “ms”), and the date/time.
Sturgeon County broadband mapping project form
Terms and Conditions can be found here.
NOTE: It may take a few minutes for these file(s) to upload. A confirmation message will appear once the form is successfully submitted.
Information for participants
Collect your speed testing kit
If we have not already, Cybera staff will be in touch with you to coordinate delivery of your speed testing device.
Set up your speed testing device
Follow the simple, step-by-step instruction guide provided with your device (you can also find it here). Need help? You can request assistance by contacting: info@testmynetwork.ca.
One month speed and latency measuring
Please use your internet as you normally would.
Return speed testing kit
Cybera will be in touch with you to arrange a pickup or return shipment of your speed testing device.
Questions?
Contact us at info@testmynetwork.ca
Cybera is a trusted not-for-profit agency that is working with the Government of Alberta to understand why so many Albertans are experiencing poor internet speeds, despite service reports that show their area is adequately covered.
For 30 years, Cybera has served as Alberta’s research and education network facilitator, responsible for driving connections, collaborations and skills growth through the use of digital technology. Our vision is to ensure a connected, secure and equitable digital future for every Albertan.