A recent article by Patrick Garmoe in Business North reports of the disadvantages for communities in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin without high-speed internet access.  Areas with limited access have difficulty attracting businesses, transmitting medical data, and tasks as simple as downloading bank statements.

In order to help these underserved communities, $7.2 billion in federal funds will become available this fall to expand broadband capabilities in rural areas. While about 60 different groups have already applied for funding in Wisconsin, the state is still in need of a broadband coverage map to detail which areas need the most help.  Without a map, the state may have trouble competing with other states for federal funds.

The lack of high-speed internet impedes the free flow of information, hinders economic growth, and stalls the effective use of resources and connections within the state. Wired Wisconsin supports policies—including the creation of a state-wide broadband map—that expand service opportunities statewide.