A preliminary map of broadband access in Wisconsin is posted...
A preliminary map of broadband access in Wisconsin is posted for public review at www.link.wisconsin.gov, the Public Service Commission said Monday. The commission, which has sole responsibility for seeking and accepting federal stimulus money for planning and developing broadband in…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Export Compliance Daily combines U.S. export control news, foreign border import regulation and policy developments into a single daily information service that reliably informs its trade professional readers about important current issues affecting their operations.
the state, got an initial $1.7 million grant in November from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “While we are making good progress adding needed infrastructure, too many Wisconsinites do not have access to a high speed broadband connection,” commission Chairman Eric Callisto said. “This map can help providers of broadband service identify gaps in coverage in order to focus their deployment efforts.” The regulator is releasing the map in a beta version so residents can study and comment on its utility and accuracy, the commission said. “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,” a commission official said, urging all residents to review and comment on the map. “If you don’t have access now, please visit and use a computer at your local public library,” the official said. The interactive map has multiple navigation tools. By entering a street address or name of a public facility, such as a school or hospital, a visitor can zoom instantly to that location on the map. Users also can click anywhere on the map to go directly to a location. A pop-up window lists available broadband providers at that address and links to their websites. The project manager, LinkAMERICA, bid successfully for the contract for the two-year project. NTIA has invited the commission to apply for money to run the project for three more years, the commission said on FAQs at its website. After contacting Wisconsin broadband providers, LinkAMERICA signed non-disclosure agreements with nearly 90 percent of them -- a gesture meant to overcome widespread resistance to releasing data the companies deem proprietary, the commission said. The new map reflects information in hand as of July 2009, the commission said. An Oct. 1 update will cover data as of July 2010. Updates every six months after also will add features and information, the commission said.