The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s annual speed test for Texas public libraries begins in February. Public libraries all across the state will be receiving a link, via email, to perform this simple but important test to gather critical data on the status of library broadband across the state.

A library providing broadband, or high-speed internet access, means it can continue meeting its community’s needs in all service areas—digital literacy skills training, workforce development, education, consumer health, etc.—all while bandwidth demands associated with those services increase.

To clarify what is meant by broadband, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set internet speed benchmarks for public libraries. Those serving populations of more than 50,000 should provide their patrons a minimum download speed of 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps). Libraries serving less than 50,000 should provide a minimum download speed of 100 Megabits per second (Mbps). On March 14, 2024, the FCC announced that now all households, not just libraries, should meet the 100 Mbps download benchmark while also providing 20 Mbps upload. TSLAC’s annual speed test will inform libraries where they stand with their internet services and if there are improvements that can be made.

The Library Digital Opportunity team (LDO) at TSLAC will be compiling this information. LDO Data Coordinator, Promise Madu, will be adding the data to a new online interactive dashboard (view the 2023 dashboard). Madu is also working on a dashboard overview of speed tests going back to 2016 to give a comprehensive look at the changes in internet speeds and FCC compliance year after year.

Madu is passionate about this project, and said, “Libraries deserve fast, reliable internet connection, and this dashboard helps pinpoint where improvements are needed most.”

We’ve learned a lot from the speed tests. Since 2016, average download and upload speeds from Texas public libraries have shown a marked improvement:

Download Speeds:

• 2016 – 33.4 mbps
• 2023 – 249.9 mbps
• 2024 – 285.9 mbps

Upload Speeds:

• 2016 – 25.5 mbps
• 2023 – 217.3 mbps
• 2024 – 235.7 mbps

In terms of overall FCC compliance, 2024 saw growth as well. The West Texas Region leads the way at 69.23%, up from 38.71% in 2023. Close behind is the Alamo Area Region with 65.52%, up from 45.45% in 2023. The Texas Panhandle Region had a compliance rate of just 27.28% in 2023 but had a huge jump to 53.33% in 2024.

While these numbers are encouraging, there is still work to do. Texas Trans Pecos libraries had a 22.73% compliance rate, down from 28.57% in 2023. In 2023, South Texas was leading the way with 62.86% compliance, but the new FCC benchmarks saw a decline in that percentage.

While the overall compliance numbers for the state are on the rise, 46% in 2024 compared to 40.15% in 2023, we still have more work to do to get those percentages up.

Madu added, “While some libraries have shown significant progress, the trends also highlight areas where speeds remain below the ideal threshold, signaling a need for targeted support.”

If you’re from a Texas public library, we hope you will participate in the 2025 speed test. It’s quick and easy to do and will provide valuable information for upcoming grants and funding.

If you need more information about the speed test, email the LDO team at LDO@tsl.texas.gov.