Federal Data Shows Wisconsin Trails In Broadband Access

Wisconsin is among the worst ranked states in the country in terms of high-speed broadband Internet access and the percentage of households with multiple wireline providers, according to new data released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Wisconsin ranked 43rd out of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories in the percentage of households with access to broadband Internet at download speeds of greater than three mbps, and 44th in percentage of households with greater than three wireline broadband providers.

The data was compiled for the NTIS National Broadband Map, a searchable map and database of broadband coverage nationwide.

“This data shows Wisconsin has a lot of work to do if we are to make our goal of 100 percent high-speed Internet access a reality,” said Thad Nation, executive director of Wired Wisconsin. “A critical first step is passing comprehensive telecom reform, which will encourage infrastructure development for new technologies like broadband and wireless.”

Wisconsin – which hasn’t updated its telecom rules since 1994 – still requires companies to invest in old copper-line technologies that consumers no longer desire, resulting in companies avoiding investment in broadband infrastructure in many parts of the state, Wired Wisconsin reports.

“Comprehensive telecom reform is a great way to encourage the expansion of broadband Internet infrastructure and service, create new jobs, and grow our economy – all at no cost to the state,” Nation said. “Clearly, the need for such legislation has never been higher, and lawmakers in Madison should work to pass modernized telecom rules as soon as possible this year.”