A western Wisconsin telecom cooperative is getting federal backing to expand high-speed internet across seven counties.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than $14.5 million in financing through its Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees program for West Wisconsin Telecom Cooperative.
The project will expand fiber-to-the-premises service in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce and St. Croix counties, improving internet access for residents, businesses, farms and schools, according to the USDA.
USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson said the investment is about connecting people in the seven counties to opportunities and economic growth, and should expand access to health care and education, strengthen business connectivity and support job creation.
The announcement did not give a specific count of homes or businesses the buildout will reach.
