UW-Extension Wants Public Input on Internet Service in Wisconsin
For the City-Times
Over the next few weeks there is an opportunity to help assess broadband needs and gaps in our area. Wisconsin Public Service Commission and LinkWISCONSIN have a broadband demand survey underway to help map out and specify high-speed Internet needs of Wisconsin’s residents and businesses. The survey defines broadband as high-speed Internet, and it explores various connection types, speeds, and uses. In order to help bolster local response rates and ensure that the needs of Portage County communities are clearly identified, Portage County UW-Extension is partnering with the Portage County Public Library to promote the survey and encourage local residents and businesses to respond.
The survey will measure current and future broadband usage and needs. It can be quickly completed online at wisconsindashboard.org. The website has one version of the survey for residents (http://wisconsindashboard.org/residence-survey), and another version for businesses (http://wisconsindashboard.org/business-survey). Residents without any Internet access at home can use a public computer at a library, at school, or at work (if permitted) and will have an opportunity to answer questions about desired Internet service.
Through July, there is also a paper version of the residence survey available for convenient pick-up and drop-off at each of the four Portage County Public Library branches (Stevens Point, Plover, Almond, and Rosholt).
The goal is to be able to provide more details and accurate data to providers and policy leaders for future broadband planning. Responses will help identify where there may be a need for improved service and will help identify best practices in areas where service is adequate.
Residents should complete only one survey per household. Information about the LinkWISCONSIN project can be found at http://www.linkwisconsin.gov. For information about the survey efforts here in Portage County, please contact Nathan Sandwick, Community Development Educator with Portage County UW-Extension (715-346-1319, [email protected]).