Broadband Expansion

BACKGROUND

The town of Arbor Vitae has pledged to invest a portion of the money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into broadband expansion in the town.

Internet services are provided by private companies, and as such, these private companies survey areas and make their own decisions on where they see it is financially beneficial to provide service. For example, if an internet service provider decides that the landscape of a neighborhood is too rocky, has too many wetlands, not enough residents, etc. they will often not provide service because it is not financially profitable for the private company. What this broadband expansion program aims to do is pay Spectrum to provide service in areas that Charter otherwise would not provide service. This broadband expansion program is being facilitated by Spectrum, the Town of Arbor Vitae, Town of Conover, Town of Cloverland, Town of Lincoln and The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation, which is mainly staffed by volunteers.

          Arbor Vitae is the largest township involved in the project, is contributing the largest amount of funds, and therefore will be receiving about 50% of the total broadband expansion service. The project total is an estimated $6.6 - $6.9 million. The funds for the project have been contributed from the following entities:

Spectrum - $3 million

Marshfield Clinic Health System - $20,000

WI State Grant Money - $2.6 million

Town of Cloverland - $50,000

Town of Conover - $33,076

Town of Lincoln - $130,000

Town of Arbor Vitae - $250,000

The town of Arbor Vitae is actively working throughout the course of this broadband expansion project, with the goal of providing high-speed internet services to as many Arbor Vitae residents as possible. Please understand that, although this project expansion will not service every resident, we are dedicated to ensure the broadband expansion project includes as many current residents as possible.

See update August 4, 2022

See update May 18, 2023