Interactive Map Offers Unique Tools to View Iowa's Technology Landscape, Guide Expansion Efforts
Des Moines - Connect Iowa today unveiled an innovative new broadband mapping tool offering unmatched views of Iowa's technology landscape.
The mapping tool, called My ConnectView, is a valuable tool for consumers, policy makers, Internet providers, and planning teams working to increase broadband access, adoption, and use in communities across the state and nation.
"My ConnectView is rich in information that will help our state make smart decisions on broadband expansion," says Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers. "The maps and data layers also offer a powerful tool for economic development that will help inform decisions like where to build out new services and how to create cost-effective business solutions. But it's a great resource for everyone. Folks at home can use My ConnectView to find which broadband services are available to consumers that they may have been previously been unaware of."
My ConnectView, developed by Connected Nation, Connect Iowa's parent organization, replaces the previous mapping tool and is faster and easier to use; features more interactive data layers and additional tools to explore data; and allows users to e-mail, print, and send feedback on custom maps.
By offering unprecedented views of unserved and underserved areas of Iowa, My ConnectView will help drive economic development planning centered around broadband technology expansion efforts in Iowa.
Connect Iowa has just completed its 5th round of broadband data updates to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The data, gathered as part of the State Broadband Initiative program, is used to populate the National Broadband Map. The new maps are online and can be accessed under the learn tab on the Connect Iowa website.
We urge citizens and providers to use the tool to help us verify the information presented and to contact us if they can't get access to broadband. Connect Iowa uses such feedback to ensure the maps are accurate and to reach out to providers and community leaders to promote broadband expansion into unserved and underserved areas of Iowa. For more information, please contact Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers at akuhlers@connectiowa.org or 515-421-2561.
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About Connect Iowa: Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Iowa to promote broadband access, adoption, and use. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and develop a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. For more information visit: www.connectiowa.org.
