A lack of adequate connection speeds is keeping small business behind.
According to a recent report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 783,000 people in Wisconsin lack access to at least one broadband service with a speed of 25/3 Mbps or better.
In his first State of the State address, Gov. Tony Evers’ expressed a much-needed push for broadband expansion in Wisconsin.
“We are a state that once cultivated new technology—from typewriters to automobiles, we’ve led the nation in innovation,” said Gov. Evers. “But today, we are a state that’s behind on broadband expansion, and we trail the country in start-ups and small business creation.”
“For small business owners who rely on online marketplaces, this is a big concern,” said NFIB’s Wisconsin State Director Bill G. Smith, “this is the reality for many rural small business owners in Wisconsin, leaving them unable to care for their customers or business.”
“We are pleased Governor Evers spoke of the urgent need to expand and improve broadband service all across our state,” said Smith in a statement. “It is critically important that barriers to business start-ups and small business growth be removed, and we commend the Governor for his proposal to establish a Committee on Entrepreneurs and Innovation at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.”
