Town takes another shot at broadband

Town of Saukville officials are reaching out to internet providers, hoping they can help improve broadband service in the town, especially for businesses and people working or attending school from home.

Local officials have tried multiple times in the past to improve services, without success. But they now hope reaching out directly to providers may get a different result.

The state of Wisconsin has budgeted $24 million this year for its Broadband Expansion Program, which provides grants to municipalities partnering with providers to bring service to areas where low population density makes it unfeasible for companies to bring cable to homes and businesses.

Parts of northern Ozaukee County, including portions of the Town of Saukville, are considered unserved or underserved by broadband services, according to the state Public Service Commission. 

With the increased funding, internet providers have taken the lead in some areas to extend service. One such location was a neighborhood in the Town of Port Washington off Northwoods Road.

Saukville Town Supr. Mike Denzien runs a technology consulting and software development business from his home on Riverview Trail and often needs to upload large files to the internet cloud but can only get internet speeds of five megabits per second.

Bringing cable to his house 2.5 miles from Fredonia would cost $42,000, he said.