Calls, emails and mobile messages have flooded both inboxes at the Times and the social media page of the Southeast Ohio Broadband Cooperative since Wednesday.

The question: how do I take the internet speed test to combat federal maps of internet access with user data?

On Wednesday the Times published “Speed Test: Group pushes for data to provide better broadband” informing readers that the residents of Washington County could reach statistic validation to contest the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and corporate internet providers by taking a five-minute online speed test or documenting addresses without internet access.

To reach statistic validation, a minimum of 3,000 of the county’s estimated 28,367 households must participate in the study.

How to participate:

¯ By Oct. 23, use your home computer, tablet or other internet-connected devices to go to: https://www.seobc.us/

¯ Identify the address where you access internet or have no service.

¯ Invite neighbors to do the same.

¯ Visit http://bit.ly/SpeedTestWashOH to track the participation of Washington County in this study.

The study is free and anonymous and is being conducted by the Southeast Ohio Broadband Cooperative in partnership with GEO Partners LLC.

Between press Tuesday, and press time Thursday, the participation of Washington County residents rose from 281 to 445 households.

“That’s incredible, it is good to see that many people wanting to participate,” said David Brown, a founding member of the cooperative. “If you want your voice to be heard about less than stellar internet service, this is your chance.”

For more information email seobc@gmail.com.