With the deadline for submitting broadband stimulus fund proposals this Friday, many in Wisconsin will wait anxiously to hear if their communities will be given the federal dollars needed to bring them up to speed—literally.

According to an article by Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,

About 80% of Wisconsin residents have access to some type of broadband through cable television providers or telephone companies, according to industry figures. But coverage gaps in rural areas are a problem as businesses and individuals increasingly turn to the Internet for everything from online sales to entertainment.  

For those of you with broadband, imagine getting directions (remember maps? you know the paper kind?) or making a big purchase (farewell online price comparisons or customer reviews) without that high-speed connection. Without a doubt most of us would be frustrated.

Hilbert Communication, based in Green Bay, and many other communication firms are working to address some of that real frustration felt in over 26 Wisconsin counties.

“With or without stimulus funds, we are pursuing broadband in rural areas,” Hilbert President Steve Schneider said.

This is great news for rural Wisconsin communities and businesses. Not only will broadband expansion projects create jobs, but the competition between communication companies will provide a greater choice in service opportunities and costs.