Broadband & Telecommuting

Broadband and Telecommuting

It’s a busy time for broadband expansion. Extension has resources to help your community navigate your broadband questions. Check out our broadband toolkit, sign up for our monthly broadband newsletter, or contact a member of our Broadband Team.

Increased access to broadband provides opportunities across a wide range of areas, including positive impacts to economies, education, health, and quality of life. 

For more information on how broadband specifically connects to economic development, check out the WIndicator Report on Broadband in Economic Development. 

Benefits of Increased Broadband Access

Improved Health Care

Online records make it easier to communicate with doctors about health status and treatment options, resulting in better medical services. This can also help decrease treatment and administrative costs of obtaining health care. It is possible to receive test results online, and patients can research specific medical conditions, medications, and treatments, and the quality of hospitals and doctors. 

More Education Options

Broadband makes it possible for elementary, middle, and high school students to complete homework assignments, access advanced topics, and complete college applications. Access to online classes increases opportunities for K-12 students while providing professional development and career advancement opportunities. This leads to a more competitive workforce and higher quality of life. 

Stronger Local & Regional Economy

Investments in broadband infrastructure strengthen regional economies through increased business innovation and productivity. Broadband helps businesses expand market reach and customer bases. Broadband infrastructure is associated with a higher level of entrepreneurial activity. It also creates a more dynamic job market with shorter job searches and is connected with increased productivity, flexibility, and incomes. Towns with less access to broadband are falling behind economically (Wisconsin State Journal).

Telecommuting & Social Network

Broadband enables connections with people across distances. 

Source: Adapted from “Economic Impacts of Broadband Access and Availability” by Eric Biltonen, UW-Extension St. Croix County (2016). 

Accessing the Internet and Telecommuting

Internet Resources
The Internet Resources for Wisconsin Residents During a Public Health Emergency webpage of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) helps in identifying providers in your area, along with efforts the companies are making to increase accessibility to internet services. This information is useful if you are behind in paying your internet bills.

Wisconsin Broadband Map
The Wisconsin Broadband Map webpage can help in identifying broadband providers in your area. This map shows a range of technologies, including mobile cellular and satellite connections, which may need to be explored as options in particularly underserved areas. Click on the map in your area of interest and use the areas in the pop-up box to cycle through possible providers. Please note that this map may not be accurate.

Mobile Hotspot Program
If your place of residence is home to a student, some school districts have implemented a mobile hotspot program as a resource for students. For this reason, you may want to reach out to your local school district to learn about potential additional additional details and opportunities. 

Public Wi-Fi Access Points
You may want to use public wi-fi access points in your community. Some facilities, such as public libraries, may allow members of the public to access their network from a car in a parking lot.

Potentials to Increase Home Internet Service
You may already have internet access at home but speeds may be slower. If so, call your internet provider to get their recommendations on increasing the internet speed.

Broadband Efforts in Green County

To learn more about broadband efforts specific to the Green County area, visit Green County’s broadband page.


Victoria Solomon

Community Development Educator, Extension Green County
Email: victoria.solomon@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-328-9440

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