Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Launches Vilas County Broadband Survey

Eagle River, WI., May 25, 2021 . . . The Vilas County Economic Development Corp. Broadband Workgroup is in the process of launching a county-wide survey to help develop a detailed map of broadband availability and coverage for residents and businesses. 

This map will be used as a baseline to identify areas where coverage does and does not exist or is poor as well as track progress of availability over time. 

“We are in an information driven economy,” said Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director. “Broadband coverage is critical for robust tourism and to grow our economy - to attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and expanding business. We have seen a large influx of people moving to our area to live and work full time. To continue to support this, we need robust broadband throughout Vilas County. 

Broadband is the foundation to build our economy.” 

Since spring 2020, a key strategy of the VCEDC has been improving broadband service to make Vilas County a broadband destination - working with the municipalities, the Lac du Flambeau Tribe, the Internet Service Providers, and County leadership to provide education, leadership, planning, support, and networking. The survey is one key element of that strategy. 

 Some questions that are asked on the survey include: 

• Are you a resident or seasonal home owner? 
• Do you have internet, and if so, your speeds? 
• Do you have internet but it is not installed? 
• What town do you reside in? 

The survey will take less than 5-minutes to complete. We’re asking that residents and businesses share this survey with their colleagues, friends and family who reside or have a second home in Vilas County. 

The survey link can be found on the VCEDC website Broadband tab at https://www.vilascountyedc.org/broadband/ 

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