Contact: Teresa Weidemann-Smith, (608) 266-9600
Residents encouraged to provide feedback on map details
MADISON – Chairperson Eric Callisto of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) today announced the initial release of Wisconsin’s high-speed Internet access (broadband) map as a part of a statewide broadband mapping and planning effort known as LinkWISCONSIN. An interactive map and information about Wisconsin’s broadband project is at http://www.link.wisconsin.gov.
“After months of hard work, I am pleased to release a preliminary version of Wisconsin’s broadband map,” said Callisto. “It shows not only our current progress, but where more work needs to be done to get this valuable technology deployed throughout Wisconsin.”
Last year, Governor Doyle designated the PSC as the sole Wisconsin entity eligible to apply for and receive federal Recovery Act funding to develop regional broadband investment plans and to map broadband availability in the state. In November 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded an initial grant of $1.7 million to the PSC for this purpose. The federal Recovery Act requires that a national broadband map be completed by February 2011.
High-speed Internet access, or broadband, provides opportunities to improve energy efficiency, education, public safety, healthcare, agriculture, and economic and community development.
“While we are making good progress adding needed infrastructure, too many Wisconsinites do not have access to a high speed broadband connection. This map can help providers of broadband service identify gaps in coverage in order to focus their deployment efforts.” Chairperson Callisto added. The map is being released in beta version to give citizens an opportunity to view the map and provide feedback about its usefulness and accuracy.
“The map still needs to be refined, updated and enhanced periodically to make it a reliable planning tool and information source in the months and years to come,” explained PSC Division Administrator Gary Evenson. “I urge everyone to look at the map and provide feedback online. If you don’t have access now, please visit and use a computer at your local public library.”
The interactive map offers a number of navigation options. For instance, enter a street address or name of a public facility, such as a school or hospital, and instantly zoom to that location on the map. Or click anywhere on the map to go directly to a location. A pop-up window lists the available broadband providers at that address and a link to their websites.
For more information about broadband mapping in Wisconsin, see the attached Frequently Asked Questions or visit http://www.link.wisconsin.gov.
