A NEW campaign which aims to address a need for high speed broadband in the Loddon Mallee is calling on the community for help.
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The Ping Project is asking residents and businesses to log the speed of their connectivity to help promote the need for faster broadband in the community.
The project is part of iLoddon Mallee's ongoing advocacy to see the NBN roll out across the region.
Bruce Winzar, committee chair, said the Loddon Mallee region had a "poor uptake" of high speed broadband and the services and facilities for high speed broadband were "below average".
He said people should complete an online speed test on the Department of Communications website.
"It will measure the latency and speed of your connection and the ability to download large files and upload large files. That information is then sent to the government who mind the data and make a decision on where the next roll out of the NBN occurs," Mr Winzar said.
Mr Winzar said results would show discrepancies across the region.
"The larger towns will have pockets of good high speed broadband but certainly our smaller, regional towns will have low speed or next to no access to high speed broadband," he said.
Participants are encouraged to take a screenshot of their test results and post it to social media.
Mr Winzar said this would allow iLoddon Mallee to develop its own database of broadband in the region.
Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee committee chair Jenny Dawson said the project was a great way to get the community involved in the NBN roll out.
"The Bendigo region struggles with poor internet coverage. This impacts our ability to maximise business opportunities and take advantage of emerging health and education applicators," Ms Dawson said.
To complete the test, visit www.mybroadband.communications.gov.au/speedtest or for a portable device download Ookla from the App store.
Follow the Ping Project on Twitter @ThePingProject or its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ThePingProject