PSC Announces WI Broadband Mapping Strategy

State legislators discussed strategies for winning funds part of the stimulus package allocated for mapping and developing a state-wide broadband map and infrastructure September 23 at the capitol.

Sen. Jim Holperin, D-Eagle River, placed a great deal of fault for the limited access rural Wisconsin resident’s have on the shoulders of the legislature. Holperin is on the Committee on Rural Issues, Biofuels, and Information Technology.

“It’s the legislature’s fault how profoundly behind the eight-ball rural Wisconsin is in terms of broadband,” said Holperin, “I’m very glad the feds have stepped in with a multi-billion dollar contract and I hope Wisconsin can get its fair share of that.”

Currently, 74 individual projects around Wisconsin are working to secure broadband deployment funds.

The PSC has been conducting a survey to determine state-wide broadband needs. And as of September 2, over 8,500 people responded with about 2/3 of respondents answering yes that they lack broadband accessibility.

LinkAMERICA was announced as the consulting-firm who will conduct a more comprehensive analysis of broadband needs. Wisconsin will pay $1.5 million dollars out of matching funds with the balance being met by $3 million in federal funds.

As to how complete this broadband map will actually be time, or rather connection speed will tell.