Dane County Broadband
Welcome to Dane County’s broadband webpage! Thank you for stopping by. Here you will find various resources regarding broadband expansion, as well as updates on Dane County’s broadband planning efforts. Broadband, also known as high-speed internet, is a top priority for Dane County as it is a key ingredient for community prosperity and success. Broadband plays a significant role in for business, education, health, and a resident’s overall quality of life.
Broadband Expansion Efforts in the Town of Dunkirk
Dane County is pleased to share a new public-private partnership between the Dane County Planning and Development Department and UpNetWI, a local internet service provider based in Stoughton, to significantly expand high-speed broadband access in the Town of Dunkirk. Leveraging federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the project will deploy state-of-the-art fiber-to-the-home service to approximately 140 currently unserved and underserved homes and businesses.
UpNetWI has begun construction, with work underway in the late Summer/early Fall of 2025. The buildout will occur in three phases, with the large majority of addresses in the Town of Dunkirk and a small number in neighboring Towns of Pleasant Springs and Albion. The project area includes segments of Tower Drive, Hammond Road, Slinde Road, Highway A, Veium Road, Leslie Road, Hannerville Road, Highway N, and Highway 51. The Town of Dunkirk Town Hall is included in the project. Fiber technology will provide impacted locations with a fast, robust, and reliable connection that supports remote work, telemedicine, online learning, and everyday communication.
The overall project is estimated to be complete by November 2026. A project map is available here.
View the County Executive's full Press ReleaseBroadband Planning Resources
General Planning
AECOM Dane County Broadband Infrastructure Engineering Assessment Final Report
This report was produced by AECOM for the Dane County Broadband Task Force and highlights several recommendations, provides a breakdown analysis for each municipality, and more.
UW-Extension Broadband Planning Toolkit
This broadband toolkit prepares Wisconsin communities to increase broadband access for all by engaging local stakeholders in the planning process and developing a comprehensive implementation strategy.
Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) Homepage
As a part of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the WBO leads statewide efforts to expand broadband access, affordability, and adoption.
Broadband Forward! Community Certification Program
Broadband Forward is a voluntary program for local units of government (city, village, town, or county) to signal that they have taken steps to reduce obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment.
Telecommuter Forward! Community Certification Program
Telecommuter Forward is a voluntary program for local units of government (city, village, town, or county) to signal that they support and commit to promote the availability of telecommuting options.
Dane County Broadband Task Force
Created in 2020, the Dane County Broadband Task Force makes recommendations to the County Board on the role of Dane County in facilitating the expansion of broadband service to residents.
Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access
The task force will advise the Governor and Wisconsin State Legislature on broadband actions and policy, including strategies for successfully expanding high speed internet access to every residence, business, and institution in the state; initiatives for digital inclusion; and pathways to unlocking and optimizing the benefits of statewide, affordable access to broadband for all communities in Wisconsin.
Mapping
Wisconsin Broadband Map
Produced by the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO). This map depicts statewide internet access and allows users to search by address.
Wisconsin Broadband Almanac
Produced by the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO). This tool displays summary statistics on broadband access, affordability, and adoption statewide, including progress towards internet for all, information on cost burden, and internet usage. Dive into detailed analysis of counties and municipalities using the County Almanac linked in the bottom right of the dashboard.
National Broadband Map
Produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This map displays broadband coverage across the Nation. Members of the public may challenge the accuracy of the map via availability and/or location challenges.
Broadband Funding Map
Produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This map provides an overview of broadband infrastructure deployment projects funded by the Federal government.
Grants
Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) Broadband Grants
The WBO awards grants to encourage the deployment of broadband and improve broadband access for Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin Broadband Office Internet for All
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $65 billion to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband internet that is affordable and reliable.
Affordability/Cost
Internet Discount Finder
Internet service providers offer a variety of discounted internet service options, based on your eligibility. The Wisconsin Internet Discount Finder can search these resources and provide a list of options available to you.
Speed Testing
WISER Survey and Speed Test
Report on your internet service quality (or lack thereof) to the Wisconsin Broadband Office. This survey and speed test will be used to advise Wisconsin's broadband planning efforts.
OptiMap Speed Test
Report on your internet speeds to the Madison Region Economic Partnership for more accurate local broadband mapping data.
Broadband Expansion Funding in Dane County
Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)
The BEAD Program is adminstered at the federal level by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and at the state level by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). Bertram Communications, Brightspeed, and MHTC (Mount Horeb Telephone Company) are BEAD awardees in Dane County, primarily affecting portions of Central Dane County. BEAD buildout is scheduled to begin in 2026 and be complete by the end of 2030. A full map of preliminary BEAD awardees can be found on the PSC's BEAD Awardees Map.
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)
The RDOF Program is adminstered at the federal level by the Federal Communications Commmission (FCC). Charter Spectrum has largely completed their buildout obligations in Dane County, primarily impacting portions of Eastern Dane County. A full map of RDOF buildout can be found on the FCC's National Broadband Funding Map.
Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM)
The E-ACAM Program is adminstered at the federal level by the Federal Communications Commmission (FCC). TDS Telecom and MHTC (Mount Horeb Telephone Company) have buildout obligations in Dane County, primarily affecting portions of Western Dane County. E-ACAM buildout must be completed by the end of 2028. A full map of E-ACAM obligations can be found on the FCC's National Broadband Funding Map.
Meet Dane County's Broadband Coordinator
Jaron McCallum is the Broadband Coordinator for the Dane County Planning & Development Department and was hired in August of 2023. In his role, Jaron will coordinate broadband expansion efforts within Dane County, including working with the Dane County Broadband Task Force, local communities, internet service providers, Dane County’s broadband consultant AECOM, and more. Jaron will also assist with grant writing and ensuring that Dane County is best positioned to take advantage of available broadband grant funding opportunities. Finally, Jaron will work to promote digital equity initiatives and the availability of affordable broadband access in Dane County. Jaron has a wealth of broadband experience as he previously worked in the Wisconsin Broadband Office at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for nearly eight years. Jaron also previously worked for TDS Telecom, a national telecommunications provider based in Madison, WI.
Stay in Touch
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Contact
Broadband Coordinator
Dane County Planning & Development
608-206-6316
McCallum.Jaron@danecounty.gov