One of Wisconsin’s most isolated places is finally getting fast internet

Expanding Broadband Access: Washington Island’s Efforts to Connect Rural Communities

Washington Island, located about 4.5 miles off the northern tip of Door County, is one of the most remote places in Wisconsin. With a population of around 700 year-round residents, the island faces challenges when it comes to internet connectivity. Slow speeds and unreliable service have been a common issue for both residents and visitors. However, a $7 million project is set to change that by bringing a new fiber optic network to every home and business on the island.

The Importance of High-Speed Internet Access

Access to high-speed internet is crucial for rural communities like Washington Island. It not only allows residents to stay connected with family and friends but also enables businesses to thrive. The lack of reliable internet service has posed challenges for individuals like Dani Gillespie, who struggled to connect with her family back home in China. Michael Gillespie, a plumber, also faced difficulties with slow internet speeds, making it challenging to upload important documents for his job.

The need for high-speed internet access in rural areas is well-documented. A recent report by the Federal Communications Commission revealed that approximately 22% of rural residents in Wisconsin lack access to adequate internet service. To address this issue, various initiatives have been launched across the state, including a $28 million project to connect thousands of rural residents and farmers in five Wisconsin counties to reliable internet.

Washington Island’s Broadband Expansion Project

The broadband expansion project on Washington Island aims to provide faster internet speeds to residents and businesses. The project involves replacing the old submarine cable that brings electricity to the island with a new fiber optic cable. This upgrade will not only improve electricity transmission but also bring faster internet speeds to the island.

More than 200 homes and locations on the island have already been connected to the new service. The work began with “anchor institutions” such as the school, police department, fire department, and ferry office. The project is expected to connect around 80 to 90 percent of the island, providing download speeds of up to 100 megabytes per second.

The Benefits of Fiber Optic Cable

The use of fiber optic cable is a significant factor in the improved internet speeds on Washington Island. Unlike traditional copper wire used in cable and DSL internet, fiber optic cables use thin glass filaments to transmit data via high-frequency wavelengths of light. This technology allows for faster and more reliable data transmission, regardless of distance.

With the new fiber optic network, downloading a 2-hour long high-definition movie takes around 38 seconds, compared to nearly 7 minutes with a cable connection and up to 30 minutes with a DSL connection.

Challenges and Future Plans

While the broadband expansion project on Washington Island is a significant step forward, there are still challenges to overcome in expanding broadband access across the state. Approximately 246,000 homes and businesses in Wisconsin lack access to internet speeds of 25/3 Mbps, while an additional 217,000 locations lack access to 100/20 Mbps.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission estimates that it would cost about $1.8 billion to bring higher broadband speeds to the entire state. However, the rejection of a $750 million proposal from Governor Tony Evers has created uncertainty about future funding. Despite these challenges, the commission remains committed to making progress and ensuring that every home and business in Wisconsin has access to high-speed internet by 2030.

As technology continues to evolve, the need for future-proof solutions becomes increasingly important. While fiber optic networks may not be practical for every part of the state, finding innovative solutions to connect rural communities remains a priority.

For residents and businesses on Washington Island, the broadband expansion project has already made a significant impact. Faster internet speeds have improved communication, allowed businesses to operate more efficiently, and brought residents closer together. With continued efforts and investment in expanding broadband access, more rural communities across Wisconsin can experience the benefits of high-speed internet connectivity.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. Targets Identified:

• SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020
• SDG 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces by 2030

3. Indicators Mentioned:

• Indicator for SDG 9.3: Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology
• Indicator for SDG 11.7: Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis:

The article addresses the issues of slow and unreliable internet access in rural areas, specifically focusing on Washington Island in Wisconsin. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article discusses the efforts to bring high-speed internet access to rural areas, highlighting the importance of connectivity for residents and businesses.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article emphasizes the need for universal access to high-speed internet as a vital service for rural communities, contributing to their overall development and connectivity.

2. Targets Identified:

• SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 – The article highlights the project to bring fiber optic network to every home and business on Washington Island, aiming to improve internet access for residents.
• SDG 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces by 2030 – The article emphasizes the importance of high-speed internet access as a basic service for rural communities, contributing to their overall development and connectivity.

3. Indicators Mentioned:

• Indicator for SDG 9.3: Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology – The article mentions the improvement in internet speeds on Washington Island due to the installation of a fiber optic network, indicating progress towards increasing access to ICT.
• Indicator for SDG 11.7: Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities – Although not directly mentioned in the article, the provision of high-speed internet access can be seen as a form of digital infrastructure, contributing to the accessibility and connectivity of rural communities.

Overall, the article highlights the efforts to improve internet access in rural areas and the importance of high-speed connectivity for residents and businesses. The identified SDGs, targets, and indicators demonstrate the relevance of these issues to broader sustainable development goals and the need for universal access to reliable and affordable internet services.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: wpr.org

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