MADISON, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Democrats in Madison are hoping the Evers administration takes a new approach to secure broadband internet access for rural communities.
Janet Bewley of the Ashland area tells WXPR Radio in Rhinelander that Democrats have a slightly different approach to the problem, saying high-speed internet access is something that should be treated as a basic part of the infrastructure. “Republicans are satisfied to let the private sector decide where they want to go with their expansion. The grants are made available in such a way that the areas where the large telecoms want to put in broadband are the ones that get the awards.”
Bewley compares it to when electricity was first installed across the state. “We’re not going to say, ‘no we’re not going to go there because we can’t make money.’”
Bewley says their plan calls for the money to go to areas of the state that have the greatest need. “Who does not have broadband to begin with? Put the money there. It’s a different orientation.”
From 2013 to 2017 about 78% of Wisconsin homes reported having access to broadband internet service. Neighboring Minnesota reported an 81% access rate during that same time.