Seasonal residents encouraged to participate
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Lincoln County Broadband Committee is asking seasonal residents to join in the effort to identify which parts of Lincoln County have limited or no internet service and is also asking residents to continue their participation. Data for Lincoln County is being collected via a Speedtest linked to the Lincoln County website (co.lincoln.wi.us), made possible by funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Taking the Speedtest from various locations within the County helps measure the speed of current internet connections throughout the area. The site also enables individuals to report areas where there is spotty or no internet service at all, by accessing the site from a public library computer or a friend’s computer or by using any cell phone with an internet browser to report that a location has no service.
The only way to eliminate dead zones and spotty internet coverage spots is to identify those areas where the problems exist. This makes it crucial for people who have no internet service to participate by reporting that fact and location. Seasonal residents and visitors to the area can help identify the lack of service in recreational areas by participating, as well.
Area residents can help neighbors who don’t have experience using computers to take the test, and they can also ask and/or help seasonal neighbors and visitors to participate in the Speedtest.
The data collected will be used to “map out the most economical installation of internet connection equipment and facilities that will cover the entire County” a press release from the Broadband Committee said.
While the test will continue through the summer, much of the actual installation is dependent upon ARPA funding, the Committee advises. So the sooner the Broadband Committee has the data available for the majority of the County, “the better the odds of getting more outside funding for the project.”