Louisville tool lets residents map, compare internet speeds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Louisville is launching a free tool that will let the city’s internet users record and map their connection speeds.

WFPL-FM reports (http://bit.ly/1pKmVjs ) it’s currently nearly impossible who know who is getting good, reliable service and who isn’t. Private internet providers aren’t required to release much data on their connectivity speeds.

Ted Smith is chief of innovation for Louisville Metro, which developed the tool with PowerUp Labs and help from officials in Seattle, which has a similar tool.

Smith says Speed Up Louisville will let users compare their connection speeds with people across the city. He hopes it will spur providers to move into struggling areas and meet the needs of residents.

Smith says the citizens will win if the providers compete to provide the best service.

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Information from: WFPL-FM, http://wfpl.org

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.