County Board reviews 2024 strategic plan for high-speed Internet access

The Marathon County Infrastructure Committee recently reviewed its strategic plan, focusing on enhancing high-speed internet access for residents. This review is part of a broader effort to update the county's strategic objectives, which were initially set in 2018 and revised in 2023 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee is particularly concentrating on two key objectives related to internet access. The first aims to develop an improved data inventory of internet service speeds available throughout the county by December 31, 2024. This initiative will allow residents to easily access information about internet providers in their area through the county's website, enhancing transparency and accessibility.

The second objective is to ensure that 85% of households in Marathon County have access to high-speed internet, defined as a minimum speed of 50 Mbps. This goal is crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all residents can benefit from reliable internet service.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure the accuracy of the data being collected. This effort is expected to provide residents with a clearer picture of available internet services, moving towards a more connected community.

As the committee continues to work on these objectives, the outcomes will play a significant role in shaping the county's future strategic plan, which is set to be developed next year. The focus on improving internet access reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Marathon County.