Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Identifies Broadband Access as #2 Priority for Reopening State

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) was required by the Legislature to submit a report on the major industries impacted by COVID-19. WEDC officially released the report last week, which lists the need to "fix broadband" as the #2 priority area as Wisconsin works to re-open.

"Just last week, recommendations from the Department of Public Instruction for reopening include access to broadband and digital technology," writes WEDC. "This demonstrates, as with the shift to remote working, the desperate and immediate need to provide accessible, affordable and quality broadband throughout Wisconsin. This, therefore, becomes second of the priorities for recovery."

The report also includes a description of the challenges faced by the Education sector on page 38 of the PDF, including K-12 schools and higher education. Interestingly, the report highlights the online learning start-up Fiveable.

The full "fix broadband" plan can be found starting on page 142 of the PDF. "The state will need to take a holistic view towards planning with the goal to connect every Wisconsin citizen to adequate, reliable, equitable and affordable broadband service," writes WEDC. In addition to broadband access, WEDC  cites the need to consider access to technology and devices. Overall, their recommendations are to:

•  Focus on school districts where children do not have access – over 45,000 lack a means by which to access online learning and access is useless without a device.. 
• Continue and increase funding for the Wisconsin Broadband Office and the Broadband Expansion Grant Program
• State Agency Broadband Working Group – use key broadband liaisons from each state agency to align with and coordinate efforts with the Wisconsin Broadband Office in a strategic hub and spoke organization effort
• The WI Broadband Playbook – this is a local community broadband expansion planning resource. This will give any community the play-by-play of how to pursue broadband, funding resources, potential partners, and how to overcome other barriers. 
•  State Digital Equity Plan – the PSC is developing a state-wide plan to increase internet adoption, digital literacy skills and affordable internet access programs throughout the state.