Dane County Broadband
Welcome to Dane County’s broadband webpage! Thank you for stopping by. Here you will find various resources regarding broadband expansion, as well as updates on Dane County’s broadband planning efforts. Broadband, also known as high-speed internet, is a top priority for Dane County as it is a key ingredient for community prosperity and success. Broadband plays a significant role in for business, education, health, and a resident’s overall quality of life.
Broadband Planning Meetings
In an effort to assist communities and municipalities plan for broadband expansion, two broadband planning meetings were recently hosted. The first meeting was hosted at the Town of Cottage Grove on December 6th, 2023. The second meeting was hosted at the Town of Cross Plains on December 12th, 2023. Both meetings were hosted both in-person and virtually online. Each meeting covered the same material, but questions and discussion varied slightly. You may find the meeting recordings and slides below.
December 6th Meeting Recording
December 12th Meeting Recording
December 6th and 12th Meeting Slides
Broadband Planning Resources
General Planning
AECOM Dane County Broadband Infrastructure Engineering Assessment Final Report
This report was produced by AECOM for the Dane County Broadband Task Force and highlights several recommendations, provides a breakdown analysis for each municipality, and more.
UW-Extension Broadband Planning Toolkit
This broadband toolkit prepares Wisconsin communities to increase broadband access for all by engaging local stakeholders in the planning process and developing a comprehensive implementation strategy.
Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) Homepage
As a part of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the WBO leads statewide efforts to expand broadband access, affordability, and adoption.
Broadband Forward! Community Certification Program
Broadband Forward is a voluntary program for local units of government (city, village, town, or county) to signal that they have taken steps to reduce obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment.
Telecommuter Forward! Community Certification Program
Telecommuter Forward is a voluntary program for local units of government (city, village, town, or county) to signal that they support and commit to promote the availability of telecommuting options.
Dane County Broadband Task Force
Created in 2020, the Dane County Broadband Task Force makes recommendations to the County Board on the role of Dane County in facilitating the expansion of broadband service to residents.
Mapping
Wisconsin Broadband Planning Map
Produced by the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO). This map depicts statewide internet access, as well as local connectivity summaries, internet survey and speed test results, and areas where broadband expansion funding has already been committed are also available.
National Broadband Map
Produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This map displays broadband coverage across the Nation. Members of the public may challenge the accuracy of the map via availability and/or location challenges.
Broadband Funding Map
Produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This map provides an overview of broadband infrastructure deployment projects funded by the Federal government.
Grants
Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) Broadband Grants
The WBO awards grants to encourage the deployment of broadband and improve broadband access for Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin Broadband Office Internet for All
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $65 billion to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband internet that is affordable and reliable.
Affordability/Cost
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY SET TO EXPIRE WITH APRIL OF 2024 BEING THE LAST FULLY FUNDED MONTH. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Please visit the Wisconsin Broadband Office’s ACP webpage for more information regarding eligibility.
Internet Discount Finder
Internet service providers offer a variety of discounted internet service options, based on your eligibility. The Wisconsin Internet Discount Finder can search these resources and provide a list of options available to you.
Speed Testing
WISER Survey and Speed Test
Report on your internet service quality (or lack thereof) to the Wisconsin Broadband Office. This survey and speed test will be used to advise Wisconsin's broadband planning efforts.
OptiMap Speed Test
Report on your internet speeds to the Madison Region Economic Partnership for more accurate local broadband mapping data.
Meet Dane County's Broadband Coordinator
Jaron McCallum is the Broadband Coordinator for the Dane County Planning & Development Department and was hired in August of 2023. In his role, Jaron will coordinate broadband expansion efforts within Dane County, including working with the Dane County Broadband Task Force, local communities, internet service providers, Dane County’s broadband consultant AECOM, and more. Jaron will also assist with grant writing and ensuring that Dane County is best positioned to take advantage of available broadband grant funding opportunities. Finally, Jaron will work to promote digital equity initiatives and the availability of affordable broadband access in Dane County. Jaron has a wealth of broadband experience as he previously worked in the Wisconsin Broadband Office at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for nearly eight years. Jaron also previously worked for TDS Telecom, a national telecommunications provider based in Madison, WI.
Stay in Touch
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Broadband Office newsletter.
Contact
Broadband Coordinator
Dane County Planning & Development
608-206-6316
McCallum.Jaron@danecounty.gov