The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is getting nearly $81,000 in grants from the state. It will use the money to collect and analyze data on broadband access in the state.
NCWRPC will partner with Breaking Point Solutions, a broadband analysis company. They will track internet access, speed and cost in all 72 counties.
“If we’re going to meet the broadband needs of our residents, businesses, and communities in every corner of Wisconsin, our state has to have solid data on existing coverage,” says Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. “Increasing broadband access in our state will play a major role in attracting business, entrepreneurs, and future residents to our rural communities.”
Reliable and accurate data surrounding internet access will help determine which areas have the highest need for internet infrastructure.
“Access to quality broadband is critical to our region and all of Wisconsin,” says NCWRPC Executive Director Dennis Lawrence. “This grant will help collect the data necessary to effectively plan for the future of broadband in our state.”
Using data collection software, NCWRPC will collect data on internet access needs down to a community level. It will detect differences between neighborhoods and even individual properties.
The software will record when a speed test happens, the internet speed and the service provider. The software will calculate an estimated budgetary cost for infrastructure improvements, saving time and money for small communities.
Businesses and residents are encouraged to take the speed test which can be accessed at http://nwrpc.com/1002/BROADBAND-SPEED-TEST
Additionally, the state can use this data to better award the $1.05 billion federal grant funding coming to Wisconsin. See a recent Mid-West Farm Report story on broadband expansion in Wisconsin: https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2023/07/08/broadband-expanding-in-wisconsin/
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