Broadband

The Dane County Broadband Task Force, initiated in 2021, is charged with making recommendations to the County Board to encourage broadband expansion. To this end, the Task Force has been collecting data to better understand broadband challenges and current infrastructure.  It’s no secret that high quality broadband is essential for economic development, telecommuting, remote school work, telemedicine, governance, and connection with others. Dane County aims to improve broadband infrastructure so that all residents have access to adequate service.

Take the Survey: In order to learn more about gaps in broadband service, the Task Force has distributed a survey to a random sample of residents in the rural areas. The Task Force has also created an on-line survey to expand our understanding of gaps in service. We invite members of the public to complete the survey here: http://www.tinyurl.com/danecountybb. The survey will be available until April 15. The UW River Falls Survey Research Center will analyze the data and prepare a report for the Task Force.

More Information

Dane County Broadband Task Force: An initiative of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Charged with making recommendations to expand broadband access.

UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Broadband information page: Extension faculty and educators have been conducting research on various aspects of broadband access, adoption, and expansion. Check out this site for lots of useful reports, recordings, and research initiatives.

Public Service Commission, Wisconsin Broadband Office: The PSC’s Broadband Office collects and maps broadband coverage information, and offers various grant programs to expand access and support the development of a comprehensive infrastructure.

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access: In 2020, Governor Tony Evers created the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access, to advise the Governor and the state on broadband actions and policy. Their report provides a roadmap for moving forward.