High-Speed Internet Has Become Accessible For Most Wisconsin Residents

Efforts to expand broadband Internet coverage across the state have led to the majority of the state now having access to high-speed connections.

Officials say federal and state grants, combined with private and public partnerships, have gotten at least one broadband provider in most rural areas. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin State Broadband Director Tithi Chattopadhyay said they’re now working with residents in those areas to teach them how to use the technology.

For example, he said, they’ll show a small business the economic benefits of setting up a website.

“I think they’re moving in the right direction,” said Chattopodhyay. “Of course access is part of the issue, but we’re working on making sure more people adopt the technology and utilize the technology effectively.”

There are still some small pockets in western Wisconsin that have no broadband providers. Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association Executive Director Bill Esbeck said total broadband coverage is the goal, but that there are limitations.

“The population densities and topographies of some areas of the state may make it very difficult for the business case to make sense for a wired product,” said Esbeck.

Maria Alvarez-Stroud, the director of the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Broadband and E-Commerce Education Center, said that sometimes local leaders have to change existing regulations to make it easier for Internet providers to establish service.

“This is the electricity of the times,” she said. “Communities are already struggling in very rural areas. If they don’t have the broadband they need, how are they going to convince their kids to stick around?”

Alvarez-Stroud said better Internet coverage can give the state a major economic boost.