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The City of New Bedford is Seeking Paid Vounteer Households to Participate in an Internet Speed Test Assessment
Why are we seeking volunteers?
The City of New Bedford is seeking to determine if the quality of Internet for residents falls below the benchmark established by the Federal Government. If your Internet and others involved in the test falls on average below download speeds of 25 Mbps, New Bedford may qualify for a federal grant that will greatly enhance the quality of your Internet connection.
How much will you pay me to participate in this test?
Each houhsehold will receive either a $200 pre-paid MasterCard or Amazon gift card. At the completion of the test, cards will be distributed to families participating in the test. Only the first 15 household to sign up will be eligible.
Are you looking for specific neighborhoods to participate in the test?
Yes, we've identified some neighborhoods based on previous testing where internet speeds may be slower than average. Please determine if your household is included in the maps below. If your household is not included below, we may in the future include it based on future test results. Ideally, we are seeking multi-dwelling units but if your household is not, please still reach out to us and see if you qualify.
How and what information will you be collecting?
A representative from the City will visit your home and connect a small device (Rasperry Pie) to your Router. The data captured only includes your address block and results of this speed test. We would like to stress that absolutely no personal identifying information will be collected during this process. The speed test will be activated for a period of two weeks. Following this, a represenative from the City will collect the device. The device will have no impact on your Internet speed performance. No personal information including your name will be required to participate.
How do I sign up?
You may sign up using the form below or contact us either via email at digitalequitynow@gmail.com or by calling 202-215-7448.
Who is managing and collecting this information?
This project is fully sponsored by the City of New Bedford. Should you wish to speak with someone directly at City Hall, please contact John Costa, Director of Information Technology. John may be reached either via email at john.costa@newbedford-ma.gov or by phone at 508-979-1400.
What if I have additional questions?
Feel free to use the Let's Chat button or you may contact the Project Manager, Shawn Gross at digitialequitynow@gmail.com or
Target Neighborhoods
click on any image to better view the map
Apply to Participate by October 31, 2023
Please complete the form to see if your household qualifies to participate. We will be selecting 20 households in this first phase of testing.
The FCC provides up to $30 discount on your home Internet for families that meet certain eligibility criteria. We would like to encourage any household that may not be able to cover the entire costs for home Internet to reach out to the FCC. You may visit them online at getinternet.gov.