Broadband Study In St. Croix County

Press release from the St. Croix County Government:

January 25, 2022

St. Croix County is working to provide better access to broadband for the residents of our County. After reviewing the broadband study and hearing from residents, the County is creating two broadband grant programs. One to help Internet Service Providers (ISPs) expand their coverage and another to help residents in unserved or underserved areas find alternative access to quality broadband services.

For Residents

Apply by 6/30/22

Connectivity Assistance – The County will reimburse up-front connection costs, up to $500 for alternative broadband options such as satellite internet. This is not intended for fiber drops (road to house fiber fee).

To qualify:

• You must live in an unserved or underserved area with no fiber options
• Service delivery must have the capability of 100MB service

Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and reimbursement made for qualified expenses.

Renewal of program contingent on funding and State/Federal programs.

Apply for the Connectivity Assistance Grant

For Providers

Apply by 1/31/22

Provider matching grant – The County will match up to 25% of project costs for providers to expand broadband access of 100mb service or greater to the residents of St. Croix County.

To qualify:

• Provider must provide at least 25% of project costs
• Service delivery must have the capability of 100MB service

A panel will review applications for eligibility. Renewal of program contingent on funding and State/Federal programs.

Apply for the Provider Match Grant

Need help with the monthly cost of broadband services? Check out the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to see if you qualify and to apply.

Learn More About the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

What have we done so far?

In 2021, St. Croix County contracted with broadband analysts Design Nine and community engagement specialists MSA Professional Services to evaluate the broadband services that exist across the County and recommend strategies to make fast, reliable internet access available to as many households, businesses, and institutions across the County as possible. Here are the results of the study:

• Broadband Study Report
• Broadband Survey Results
• Service Provider Report
• Broadband Recommendations Presentation

This press release was produced by the St. Croix County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.