Wired Wisconsin investment tracker calculates wireless investments in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE — Wired Wisconsin’s Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker is reporting significant high-tech development to end 2011, with investments deployed in all areas of the state.

“These investments improve broadband access in Wisconsin, are proof of further economic investment and provide needed job creation for the state,” says Thad Nation, executive director of Wired Wisconsin. ”We know that broadband investments result in positive change for Wisconsin’s economy.”

Wired Wisconsin established the Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker as a way to understand the ongoing telecommunications investments being made in Wisconsin. Tracking started in July 2011, and from July through December, 28 projects were deployed around the state, with a total estimated investment value in excess of $20 million and the creation of nearly 1,000 jobs.

During this first reporting period, from July through September, 11 projects were deployed throughout Wisconsin, resulting in a total estimated investment of $12.08 million and the creation of 604 jobs.  Much of Wisconsin’s fourth quarter 2011 investment, from October through December, was focused on upgrades to existing cell towers and in the development of new tower sites. During this period, 17 projects were deployed, resulting in a total estimated investment of $7.67 million and the estimated creation of 384 jobs.

“Our modernized telecom statutes have increased Wisconsin’s competitiveness in securing new investments and job growth,” says Nation. “This on-going private-sector investment is exactly what Wisconsin needs to move forward, and we look forward to additional growth in 2012.”

Wired Wisconsin’s new Broadband and Wireless Investment and Jobs Tracker is updated quarterly. An interactive map of all tracked investments is accessible on the Wired Wisconsin web site by clicking here.