Town Asking Residents to Test Their Internet

The Town of Essex, in partnership with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, is asking residents throughout the municipality to test their Internet service with a new online tool available at performance.cira.ca/essex.

The site will measure residents’ Internet speed (both upload and download speeds) and ask a number of optional questions, including the name of their Internet Service Provider as well as their package speeds and monthly fees. The data collected will be used to identify and compare priority areas as well as assist the Town in advocating for broadband infrastructure investments.

“Our Council recognizes the strategic importance of high quality Internet access, an issue that has been highlighted over the last six months as more of our residents and local students are working from home,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “Council and I have been working hard on this file and now we’re asking all residents who have Internet access to visit the site and help us make the case to service providers.”

“Obtaining a clear picture of local Internet speeds and identifying priority areas is a critical part of improving and encouraging investment in local infrastructure,” said Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer. “It will also provide valuable data on changes in Internet quality as new infrastructure is installed throughout the community.”

Residents are encouraged to test their Internet connection regularly to assist with measuring the impact of changes to broadband infrastructure. Residents can create an account on the site to track their previous results and schedule regular tests. Test submissions will be accepted throughout the next year with regular reminders published to the Town’s website and social media accounts.

Data collected from individual tests are anonymously combined with tests from across Canada for research purposes. The data collected from Town of Essex Internet users may also be aggregated and shared with local Internet Service Providers. Demographic and contact information will not be shared. Users will also be able to view individual test results, as well as averages based on urban and rural areas.

For a step-by-step guide on conducting the test, read CIRA's guide online.

According to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), the testing platform is one of the most advanced tests of Internet speed and quality available. Learn more about the authority and its performance testing online.

Learn more about the Town’s efforts to improve local Internet with the recent administrative report.