New Grants Increase Broadband in Rural Wisconsin

Internet services in rural Wisconsin are about to get a speed boost, thanks to $125M in grants.

Here’s Five Fast Facts on the Broadband Expansion Grants:

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1. 🖥️Modem Noise - The Wisconsin Public Service Fee awarded grants to 71 projects that give broadband access to 83,000 properties and 4,600 companies across 45 counties. Internet providers are adding $185M (combined) in matching funds to the program.
2. 📶Modem Connected - The main focus is to get new or improved web access to unserved or underserved areas. The FCC says 395,000 Wisconsin residents lack broadband access. 
3. 🌐Welcome! - This latest batch of grants is just part of the broadband expansion program that kicked off nine years ago. The state has given out $346.6M in that time.
4. 📧You’ve Got Mail! - The program does have its critics, who say ISPs will eventually have to make another pass for fiber internet, comparing it to shoveling in a snowstorm. 
5. ⌨️Goodbye - Another round of grants, this time using $4M from the Universal Service Fund (ensuring access to essential telecommunications services) will be awarded next year.

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🔥Bottom line: Imagine not being able to upload dank memes or argue or check out what Casey is doing on Facebook (I hate you, Casey, you know what you did). Imagine not being able to stream HBO Max. Imagine not being able to play Call of Duty at 1 a.m. and get stomped by 12 year olds. We take broadband for granted, but we also can’t imagine life without it. Remember: these grants are for the ISPs to install the technology for access, not for residents to get free access. They’re still on the hook for the monthly costs. But they’ll finally be able to join the rest of us online.

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What do you think of the grants? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!

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