New Wired Wisconsin investment tracker calculates wireless investments in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE — Wired Wisconsin is pleased to announce the creation of a new Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker to capture the impact of high-tech development on Wisconsin’s economy.

“We know that broadband investments result in positive change for Wisconsin’s economy, both in economic investment and job creation,” says Thad Nation, executive director of Wired Wisconsin. “This new Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker offers a concrete way in which to understand those investments in our state.”

Significant private sector investments in broadband infrastructure occurred throughout Wisconsin during the three-month period of July through September, the first quarter that Wired Wisconsin has tracked the data. During this quarter, 12 projects were deployed around Wisconsin, resulting in a total estimated investment of $12.08 million dollars and the creation of 604 jobs.
The passage of Wisconsin’s Telecom Modernization Act earlier this year modernized state statutes that governed telecom companies since 1994, formerly requiring investments in old copper-line technologies rather than in broadband and wireless technologies.

“By modernizing our telecom statutes, Wisconsin is now much more competitive with other Midwestern states for new jobs and new investment,” says Nation. “For too long, Wisconsin has been held back from modern infrastructure development – and the jobs and investment that come along with it – because of outdated telecom rules. This is just a small example of what is possible through private sector investment in new technologies throughout Wisconsin going forward.”

Wired Wisconsin’s new Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker will be updated quarterly. Starting later this fall, all investments will be tracked on the Wired Wisconsin website through an interactive map.