Council approves Connect Superior budget and lowers wholesale rates for internet services

The Common Council of Superior, Wisconsin, convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the city's broadband initiative, Connect Superior. The meeting highlighted a promising budget outlook, with costs coming in lower than anticipated, particularly in network oversight, resulting in savings of nearly $100,000. This financial flexibility allows the city to maintain competitive broadband rates while planning for sustainable growth.

Broadband Manager Becken reported that the updated budget reflects a conservative approach, but with the potential for faster expansion if user adoption rates improve. The council approved a revised annual budget that includes new wholesale rates for internet service providers (ISPs), dropping prices from $47 to $35 for lower-tier services and from $55 to $45 for higher-tier offerings. This reduction aims to attract more customers and enhance competitiveness in the market.

The council also finalized a contract with Win LLC, a network operations company based in Eau Claire, which will monitor the broadband network around the clock. This partnership is expected to ensure efficient operations and quick responses to any issues, further solidifying the network's reliability as it expands.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about the rationale behind the reduced wholesale rates and the implications for the city's revenue. The discussions revealed that negotiations with ISPs played a crucial role in setting these new rates, which are designed to encourage higher customer uptake despite the potential for decreased immediate revenue.

Looking ahead, the council anticipates that the network will begin operations by mid-May, with the first customers expected to sign up shortly thereafter. This timeline marks a significant milestone for the Connect Superior project, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas of the city.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing broadband access, with a clear strategy to balance affordability for residents and sustainable growth for the network. As the project progresses, the council remains focused on ensuring that the benefits of improved internet access are felt throughout the community.