I recently toured a TDS construction site outside of Fennimore. The Lancaster-based crew was laying fiber to connect hundreds of homes in the area to reliable, high-speed internet.

This project is part of TDS’s efforts in Grant County to connect Southwestern Wisconsin to reliable broadband. They are using federal Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) money and will eventually connect or upgrade 1,200 homes to reliable 100/20 megabits per second (Mbsp) service.

As part of TDS’s efforts in the 17th Senate District, they are also working on projects in southwestern Dane County, Green County, and across Grant County. This is a great example of government and the private sector working together to bridge the digital divide.

Projects like this are just the beginning! Wisconsin received $1.1 billion in federal money through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Similar to Wisconsin’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program, this program will be administered by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC’s deadline for interested private sector entities to apply for projects recently closed. This federal money, once distributed, will go a long way in connecting every house and business in the state that lacks reliable coverage.

I have been a leader in the legislature when it comes to advocating for broadband expansion across the entire state, especially in rural communities. Since I joined the legislature, more than $2.8 billion in state and federal funding has been invested in broadband. State funding alone has connected nearly 407,000 homes and 40,000 businesses. I have continuously worked on legislation to improve the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program to ensure funding goes where it can be used most efficiently.

As more of our lives move online, the demands for faster internet speeds and more reliable connections continues to grow. We are making significant progress, but our work is far from done. I will continue to advocate for rural broadband expansion and ensure that government money is being used effectively. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and build a more connected and prosperous Wisconsin.

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.