2016 TSLAC Texas Public Library Speed Test - Summary Report

2016 TSLAC Texas Public Library Speed Test - Summary Report

In Spring 2016, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) conducted the Texas Public Library Speed Test, which provided the first-ever snapshot of public library Internet speeds across Texas. TSLAC provided an online network speed test tool for a three-month period. During this time, public libraries throughout Texas tested the Internet speed at each of their locations on a wired public access computer. The results (download and upload speed in Megabits per second, or Mbps) were automatically recorded for TSLAC to compile.
Fast, reliable Internet access is essential to today’s economy and quality of life. In 62% of communities, many in rural areas, public libraries are the ONLY PLACE where people can access the Internet for free. High-speed Internet in public libraries supports a variety of essential services for the community, such as job searching, K-12 homework, small business research, e-government, distance learning, and consumer health.

79% of accredited public libraries in Texas participated in the testing. Network speeds from 687 locations were collected, representing 434 main libraries.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) outlined broadband targets for libraries and schools participating in the E-rate program in the recent E-rate Modernization Order. The goal of the E-rate program is to ensure affordable access to high-speed broadband in schools and libraries. The Order adopted the following targets recommended by the American Library Association:

·  100 Mbps or greater – libraries serving fewer than 50,000 people

·  1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) or greater – libraries serving more than 50,000 people

In a separate action, the FCC recommended a minimum speed of 25 Mbps per household in 2015.

At the conclusion of the Texas Public Library Speed Test, TSLAC cross-referenced the collected data to the FCC’s broadband targets based on respondents’ population size.

Significant findings

6% of Texas public libraries (39 of 687 respondents) that reported results met the targets set by the FCC and ALA. The test results indicate that as much as 94% of Texas public libraries are below national broadband standards for libraries.

In addition, 60% of reporting Texas public libraries did not meet the FCC’s minimum definition of broadband for individual households (25 Mbps). The 290 libraries that did not meet this minimum standard serve over 8 million Texans, or about a third of the state’s residents. Public libraries providing patron computers and Wi-Fi access face greater demands than household networks, requiring faster speeds for patrons to efficiently access distance learning, e-government information, and employment opportunities.

These results provide a critical starting point for TSLAC staff to continue its strategic planning efforts. Collecting this data on an annual basis will benefit the entire Texas library community and help us as we work to ensure that every Texan has the Internet access they need.

Broken down by population size:

Below 50K

38 of 511 (7%) reported speeds of 100 Mbps and above.
137 (27%) were below, but above 25 Mbps.
336 (66%) reported speeds below 25 Mbps.

50K or more

Only 1 library out of 176 reported a download speed of 1 Gbps and above.
38 (22%) were below 1 Gbps but above 100 Mbps.
68 (39%) were below 100 Mbps, but above 25 Mbps.
69 (39%) reported speeds below 25 Mbps.