WAUKAU, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — More than 1,500 homes and businesses will soon have access to high-speed internet in Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties. Charter Communications, also known as Spectrum, joined community leaders in Waukau to celebrate the fiber-optic buildout on Friday.
“Broadband’s very important for manufacturing, agriculture, education and tourism,” said Sen. Dan Feyen.
Feyen serves the 18th district, which includes both Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties.
He says one major thing the pandemic taught everyone is the importance of good internet.
“We really learned that when kids were at home, they don’t just need a hot spot — they need a hot spot that works,” said Feyen.
According to a survey by New North, 35% of residents in Northeast Wisconsin say the quality of internet service is affecting where they choose to live. Adding on to that, 98% of businesses say that the internet is important to the success of their business.
Matt Brown, vice president of construction, says the broadband speeds will be up to one gigabyte per second. Plus, Charter will offer other services as well.
“Access to telephone, video service and even Spectrum mobile,” said Brown.
The Winnebago County expansion includes parts of the towns of Omro, Nepeuskun and Rushford.
In Fond du Lac County, it includes parts of the town of Fond du Lac, Ashford, Auburn, Osceola, Byron and Eden.
