Contact: Thad Nation, 414.412.7814
Broadband unavailable for 14-24 million Americans, over 130,000 in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE — A new report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows that 14 to 24 million Americans currently lack access to broadband Internet, and suggests “the immediate prospects for deployment to them are bleak.”
Previously, reports have suggested that roughly 20% of Wisconsin households lack access to broadband Internet, but the new FCC data shows that some clear progress has been made in terms of broadband deployment in Wisconsin.
The FCC report shows that eight counties in Wisconsin – Buffalo, Burnett, Crawford, Lafayette, Menominee, Pepin, Trempealeau, and Vernon – are currently underserved. Those counties represent a combined population of 131,500 – far less than previous estimates – with 94% of the homes in those areas classified as “rural housing.”
The FCC suggests several ways government can help speed up the broadband deployment process, including “unleashing spectrum for mobile broadband,” supporting broadband through “public-private partnerships,” and “reducing barriers to infrastructure development.”
“This report clearly demonstrates that while progress has been made in Wisconsin, we need to take additional steps on a state level to ensure we reach our goal of 100% broadband access, particularly in rural parts of our state,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “Those steps begin with the Wisconsin State Legislature passing modernized telecom rules, which – per the FCC’s suggestion – will help reduce barriers to infrastructure development for broadband and other new technologies.”
Modernized telecommunications rules (SB 496/AB 696) were introduced in the State Legislature last year, but did not pass before the end of the legislative session. The bill – supported by a broad coalition of non-profit groups and businesses – would have updated Wisconsin telecom rules to reflect changes in consumer behavior – such as the ongoing switch from traditional landlines to newer technologies – and encourage investment in new technological infrastructure like broadband.
“The benefits of broadband are too important for us to sit on the sidelines while over 130,000 Wisconsin residents lack proper access,” Nation said. “While the discussion over how best to help achieve 100% deployment continues, the Wisconsin State Legislature needs to take the obvious first step and pass modernized telecom rules at the earliest opportunity when the body reconvenes next year.”
To view the complete FCC report, please visit http://tinyurl.com/BroadbandReport.
