Republicans in the state Legislature are asking for further review of the University of Wisconsin System’s project of using federal stimulus funds to expand their broadband network to include more areas of the state.
In a letter sent to UW System President Kevin Reilly Wednesday, the Republican legislators said they want the broadband network program to be reviewed by the Joint Committee on Finance because they believe the UW system may be violating the law.
Representatives signing the letter included Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Green Bay, Sen. Alberta Darling, R-Menominee Falls, and Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon.
According to the letter, the legislators said they were concerned the expansion of the Community Area Networks, the broadband that would be expanded using the funds, would duplicate and compete with BadgerNet, an already existing broadband network, which could threaten the jobs of Wisconsin taxpayers.
David Giroux, UW System spokesperson, said the expanded network will actually help the state’s economy.
“The Community Area Networks will do just the opposite,” Giroux said. “They will actually create new jobs and improve the economy over time.”
Giroux said the Community Area Networks are informational broadband networks that pool resources to improve services throughout the state and make them more profitable.
According to a statement from UW-Extension, $29.9 million in federal grant money is being used to expand broadband connections for institutions in several communities throughout the state.
These institutions include public safety agencies, health care providers, various schools and community organizations in Platteville, Wausau, Superior and the Chippewa Valley region, the statement said.
Giroux said the federal stimulus money will be used to expand broadband service and help educate local communities in how they can utilize the new networks.
The release said the expansion will impact 39 communities throughout the state, up to 182 institutions and will bring high-capacity internet closer to 139,000 new homes.
In the letter, the Republican legislators questioned whether the entire cost of the proposal will be covered by the federal funds or if the state will have to provide additional money for the expansion.
Giroux said all of the funding is included in the federal grant.
“The information [in the letter] is not quite accurate,” Giroux said. “UW-Extension is hoping to correct the misinterpretation.”
The legislators also said in the letter they do support reliable broadband telecommunications throughout Wisconsin, but not when the cost is unknown and when the UW System is expanding their wireless network on top of networks which are already in place.
They added they are confident the UW System will take their concerns into consideration.
Giroux said the UW System has to improve the information and communication with the state government.
“We need to do a better job of improving the message conveyed,” Giroux said. “It is clear state legislation is on a different page, and we want to solve the miscommunication.”
Correction: The original copy of this story stated high capacity Internet access will be brought to 139,000 homes, when it really will just be brought closer to these homes. We regret the error.
