Telehealth Broadband Pilot Program
The Telehealth Broadband Pilot Program is a grant-funded initiative to measure broadband performance and internet availability in West Virginia, with an emphasis on evaluating how connectivity affects telemedicine access.
The goal of the project is to collect accurate data to support future broadband deployment efforts. The West Virginia Primary Care Association provides the necessary hardware, software, and training to partnering institutions at no cost to them.
The initial phase of the project involves measuring broadband in healthcare facilities by using a small hardware device that plugs into network connection. These devices run internet speed tests on a recurring schedule with a dashboard for viewing test results. Participating in this program will allow you to collect internet speed data for your facilities, which can help you identify potential problems with your internet access, degradations in service, and determine if you are receiving the internet speeds that you are paying for.
Data will also be used to help determine if broadband is available in your community, and this may help identify areas that need more broadband investment. Later phases of the project will include web and mobile-based speed tests and consumers within each community. We will measure broadband performance and internet availability, focusing on Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Nicholas, Roane, and Ritchie counties, but measurements are being taken across the state.
How Can I Participate:
To start, perform a speed test on your computer by going to Speedtest by Ookla: The Global Broadband Speed Test. Record your speed and keep this information as a baseline. In order to receive a pod, please contact WVPCA Special Projects Director, Aaron Johnson, at aaron.johnson@wvpca.org.
