Wisconsin Gets Broadband Mapping Grant; DPI Seeks Input

On Friday the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it awarded grants to fund state broadband mapping to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and to six other states. (Press release at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMappinggrants_091106.html.) The PSC has already contracted with LinkAmerica (http://www.linkamericaalliance.com) to conduct the mapping for Wisconsin.

**Your input requested.** Next week Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will be meeting with LinkAmerica to discuss the state of broadband access, focusing on Wisconsin's K-12 schools and libraries. As part of this process both Steve Sanders and Bob Bocher invite you to send them any comments, thoughts, concerns, etc., you have about getting your schools and libraries adequate broadband at affordable prices. They are especially interested in connectivity issues for the large majority of schools which do not qualify for a TEACH discounted circuit. Send any comments to Bob Bocher by this Friday, November 13. All comments will remain anonymous. Thanks for your input.

Bob Bocher, Technology Consultant
Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction

Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning
Madison, WI 53707-7841 - 608-266-2127 - robert.bocher@dpi.wi.gov