For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – Lincoln County residents have the opportunity to take an internet speed test as part of a process to expand access to broadband internet in the county.
A special interest committee, formed by the Lincoln County Board Supervisors and made up of Supervisors, Information Technology (IT) and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals and members of the public, was recently formed to “gain a better understanding of broadband needs and the resources available for its development,” according to a release from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The committee has partnered with WEDC and surrounding counties and entities in order to expand broadband access throughout the region. An internet speed test for all Lincoln County residents, which will help establish where support is needed, is the first step in this process.
WEDC said the test will help determine where internet speeds are below FCC standards and where the state needs to focus on building the broadband infrastructure.
“Access to broadband is vital for the economic health and growth of Wisconsin, yet many homes and businesses have no broadband access or internet service speeds that fall below FCC standards,” WEDC stated. “State and federal grants are available to bring broadband to underserved areas around the state, but in order to tap into those grants, the state must identify those areas of greatest need.”
“Access to broadband will help Wisconsin attract companies and workers, and broadband is critical for those working or doing schoolwork from home or trying to access services online,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC Secretary and CEO. “But we can’t do this without the help of Wisconsinites statewide. We need as many of us as possible to take a very easy internet speed test.”
To take the test, visit the Lincoln County website (https://co.lincoln.wi.us) from your home or work location by June 15, 2022.
“It will only take a few moments, and personal information is always protected and never shared,” WEDC said, adding that even residents without internet access can help by logging onto the site from a friend’s home, the local library or from their cell phone and clicking on “Enter an Address with No Available Service” to complete the survey.
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit www.wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.