Change Font Size: [+] [-]

Kreitlow Urges Broadband Mapping

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Copy of letter from Senator Kreitlow to Governor Doyle on bringing affordable high-speed broadband connections to Wisconsin:

Governor Jim Doyle
115 East - State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707

Dear Governor Doyle,

The availability of affordable high-speed broadband connections is essential to Wisconsin residents. Broadband today is critical to the ability of our residents to conduct commerce, maintain jobs, build community, improve health, further education and simply enjoy being connected to their neighbors and the world. Wisconsin is rightfully considering ways to improve broadband availability, particularly to the lesser-served rural parts of the state. A needed first step is to determine where broadband is currently available and where the need exists and is likely to arise.

President Obama’s stimulus package offers Wisconsin a great opportunity to insure all areas of Wisconsin have access to affordable broadband. The stimulus plan includes $350 million to help underserved areas across the country and it is important for Wisconsin to be ready to receive those dollars. The best way for Wisconsin to be in that position is for the state to commit resources - either on our own or through the federal program - to a Wisconsin mapping project as soon as possible. We need the empirical data, which only such mapping provides, to ensure that new broadband investments in Wisconsin are made wisely. We must avoid building an internet to nowhere here in Wisconsin.

The mapping approach Wisconsin pursues should involve Connected Nation or a similar independent, impartial third-party organization. Connected Nation has had great success in other states. In Kentucky, broadband availability grew from 60% to 95%, and broadband use doubled over the last three years. The mapping in Kentucky also laid the groundwork for 19,000 technology jobs over two years and an unprecedented $860 million in private investment in telecom infrastructure over three years.

One reason the Connected Nation model is successful and critical is that, unlike a government entity, only an independent, third-party not affiliated with government can keep provider data confidential. Most providers are not legally required to provide such data. And most providers will not willingly share investment data due to competitive pressures – unless they are assured confidentiality. The Public Service Commission recently experienced this reluctance when its request for broadband data was met by only about half the providers contacted.

The federal funding and Connect Nation model of mapping provides an exceptional opportunity for Wisconsin residents and businesses. Let's act quickly to map out a connected future that brings affordable broadband to all Wisconsin residents. A failure to take advantage of this great opportunity threatens to leave Wisconsin, and our residents and businesses, behind the rest of the nation.

Sincerely,
Senator Pat Kreitlow Representative Andy Jorgensen

Last Updated (2009-03-06 16:32:38)