New map shows broadband availability across Iowa

A interactive online map of Iowa displaying availability of broadband services down to the census block level was introduced  on Tuesday, June 18.

The map can be found on the web site of Connect Iowa .

The map's development was funded by a federal stimulus grant. It was organized by the Connect Iowa initiative, a subsidiary of the nonprofit Connected Nation, in partnership with the Iowa Utilities Board.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said 177 broadband providers offered data used in the mapping project.  He said the vast majority of Iowans have access to broadband services, but only 66 percent of residents report using broadband services at home.

Connect Iowa and broadband providers will routinely update the map so that policymakers, Internet providers and the public can make informed decisions about broadband investment and expansion, Connected Nation Chief Executive Officer Brian Mefford said.

The  Connect Iowa program was funded through a $2.2 million grant from the United States Department of Commerce's National telecommunications and Information administration to launch and run the program for a five-year period.