Oneida County Looks to Broadband for Economic Impact

Link to May 20 Rhinelander Daily News article, "County approves broadband plan".

Excerpts: High-speed Internet is coming to the Northwoods.

The Oneida County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to enter into a public-private partnership with a Phelps-based ISP (Internet Service Provider) to build up to eight broadband towers throughout the county.


“This is one of the most significant resolutions you can pass in terms of the overall economic development of the area,” Kumbera told the supervisors.

SonicNet CEO Jeff Collins said the company hopes to get six of the eight towers built during this construction season (now through October).

He estimated the economic impact of the project on the area to be in the neighborhood of $4 million.

Kumbera and Collins said easy access to high-speed Internet will help attract new businesses and new residents to the area. It could also provide an incentive for vacationers to extend their stay and thus spend more money here.