The UW-Madison EDA University Center conducted a statewide survey of Wisconsin residents on broadband access and affordability, with the goal of estimating the willingness to pay for broadband. As the state makes significant investments in broadband infrastructure, attention is shifting to the willingness, or ability, of people, particularly lower income people, to pay for broadband subscriptions.
In this article, we will discuss tools to inform broadband planning. Specifically, when and how to use surveys to gather input from the public in your broadband and digital equity planning and explore types of exploratory conversations to support broadband expansion opportunities in your communities.
This article covers the basics of broadband public-private partnerships and includes downloadable worksheets and templates.
Data collection and data analysis can be a little overwhelming for communities and organizations that are engaged in all sorts of Community Economic Development Planning, including community broadband planning. The goal of this article is to share some of the public resources that are available to you.
The purpose of this directory is to assist counties and/or communities in Wisconsin with finding private partners for broadband expansion. Please check back as the list changes and grows.
Community engagement is a crucial part of planning for broadband expansion. This article provides an overview of the who, why, what, and how of community engagement.
This August 28, 2023 Lunch-n-Learn session we explore when to use community forums and asset mapping as part of your data collection. We provide you with a useful checklist to help you plan your forum.
This August 21, 2023 Lunch-n-Learn session explored two effective community engagement tools for broadband planning – surveys and conversations.
Using 2022 county sales tax data, we examine the strength and weaknesses of Wisconsin retail and service markets through the application of the tools of Trade Area Analysis.
This webinar dives into the world of rural recruitment and welcoming strategies, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in Minnesota communities. This webinar will provide practical tools and insights that can be applied to Wisconsin communities.
This August 14, 2023 Lunch-n-Learn session highlighted ways to engage the community in your local broadband planning, as well as relevant tools. Use the provided worksheet with your planning team to determine your goals for community engagement.
There is a strong positive relationship between internet access and economic growth and development. Studies that focus on more rural areas within the U.S. find that access to broadband is important in attracting new businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing farm profits, and even increasing the value of rural housing. It is clear that access to the internet and broadband in particular is no longer a luxury, but a necessary condition for regional economic growth and development. This article outlines the need for and the benefits of broadband.
