1. Broadband Infrastructure Expansion Updates
UpNet provided Jaron with its Q4 2025 update to the fiber expansion project using
ARPA funds. Currently the project is roughly 65% complete with an end date
scheduled for November of this year. UpNet hopes to start service in completed
areas next month.
Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) funding received federal
approval from the National Telecommunications Information Administration(NTIA).
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approval still required before
the grant agreement process with ISPs can begin.
Between $300 million to $400 million of non-deployment funds available in
Wisconsin from BEAD that can hopefully be used for a variety of things including;
workforce, affordability, education, device availability, AI related
training/preparation. Listening session scheduled with the Assistant Secretary for
the week of February 9th to discussion the use of the funds.
2. Discussion regarding Task Force Direction, Priorities, Topics of Interest,
Presentations, etc. for 2026
Discussed ensued with members discussing the need for the Task Force especially
with deployment for several programs anticipated to break ground over the next
few years. Also, the possibly of expanded the scope of to include other methods
including satellite and wireless.
Discussion ensued about reducing the number of Broadband Task Force meetings.
Task Force discussed bringing back Bertram Communication and other ISPs to give
updates on projects or the discussion of funding. Creation of Broadband Task Force
annual report discussed with the possibility of providing the report to various local
municipalities.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
The next Dane County Broadband Task Force Meeting will take place on April 8th,
2026 at 9am in a hybrid format.
G. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda
None
H. Such Other Business as Allowed by Law
None
I. Adjourn
A motion was made by POSTLER that the meeting be adjourned. The motion
carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 AM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Josh Schroeder, pending Task Force approval
