Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Releases 2021 Broadband Survey Results

Eagle River, WI., December 1, 2021…. The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) Broadband Workgroup has released the results of its first Broadband survey.  With 1,380 unique responses, it provides data about Broadband availability in Vilas County that has not existed until now.

With responses from every Vilas County town, City of Eagle River, and Lac du Flambeau Tribal residents, there is great representation and detail.  The VCEDC is now working with Vilas County to turn this data into a consumer and Internet Service Provider friendly map.

“Robust Broadband is essential to growing and diversifying Vilas County’s economy,” said Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director.  “In today’s data-driven economy, reliable and fast Broadband is essential to attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and expanding business. It is equally important to protect and grow our tourism economy.”

Highlights of the Broadband survey include:

• 83-percent of respondents do not have access to Broadband of 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload
• 34-percent have access to 10Mbps to 25Mbps download speed, which is the largest group of respondents
• 192 respondents have Broadband speeds greater than 25Mbps with some up to 1Gbps.  This is the fastest growing segment.

Survey data is being shared with VCEDC’s Broadband Buddies, who are active in the Vilas County’s towns and the Lac du Flambeau tribe, for further analysis as they continue to work to expand Broadband.

Jonathan Sharp, VCEDC Professional Volunteer and Broadband Committee Workgroup member, says “The 2021 Broadband survey provided a baseline of information.  We are already designing the 2022 Broadband survey so year-on-year improvement can be measured.”  With current and upcoming Broadband projects throughout Vilas County, Broadband access and speeds are quickly improving making Vilas County a Broadband destination in the Northwoods.”

For more information about VCEDC’s Broadband work, please visit this site https://www.vilascountyedc.org/broadband/

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