State returning federal funding for broadband
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Stimulus money that would have improved broadband connections in hundreds of Wisconsin communities will be returned to the federal government.
State officials say requirements for the $23 million would be tough to meet. And, that would mean Wisconsin taxpayers would have to absorb the cost if those requirements weren't met.
The federal funding was targeted for libraries and schools and would have improved police, fire and hospital communication in rural areas.
The Journal Sentinel says one of the sticking points is a public-private partnership the state has with AT&T. The company owns and manages the infrastructure that currently delivers the Internet to schools, libraries and local government. The state has a five-year contract with AT&T. The federal government wanted a 20 year commitment.
Jul 16, 2011 at 11:53 a.m.
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smartypants- you actually need to work and not suck off the system or others before you can even comment on this..lol
Feb 15, 2011 at 3:14 p.m.
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Who in their right mind signs a 20 yr contract!? Our Federal Government is so out of touch with the real world its pathetic. AT&T must have some darn good lobbyist in Washington, to get a sweet deal like locking communities into 20 yr contracts.
Feb 15, 2011 at 12:20 p.m.
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THIS IS SIMPLY GOING TOO FAR MR GOVERNOR. Without access to broadband internet, the residents in our rural communities do not have the means to do all the things that the web enables. For a state to decline money when it is being given to them is simply insane.
Feb 15, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.
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and the gap between the haves and have-nots grows...
Feb 15, 2011 at 11:41 a.m.
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Something has gone horribly wrong. Scott Walker is a short-sighted idiot bent on driving our state backwards. We really need to take action to oppose his disastrous policies before he turns Wisconsin into Alabama. WAKE UP!!!
Feb 15, 2011 at 11:04 a.m.
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We don't need no fancy trains or internets.
We ain't dumb!
Feb 15, 2011 at 9:58 a.m.
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Like all funds from the federal government, there are hidden stipulations that can/cannot be met. I agree that AT&T has a monoply in the state, and is this a legal monopoly?
Feb 15, 2011 at 9:25 a.m.
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Americans have to spend money for the government to make money (Taxs).
When there is a shortage of Taxs, the government gives out large sums of money to cities and municipalities to upgrade or create services that bring jobs and Taxs (broadband connection, high speed railroad).
When we accept the money, it is never enough to accomplish the project, we are responsible for completing and maintaining it creating more jobs and Taxs.
Problem; Don't we need more jobs and taxs?
At&T must be gouging them.
Feb 15, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
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kid - LOL
Feb 15, 2011 at 8:19 a.m.
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thekai: how about monday?? doc brown is goin to pick me and marty up in his federally funded high speed time traveling rail car and we'll go back so clara can visit some of her family. bring your chaps my friend.
Feb 15, 2011 at 8:13 a.m.
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Sometimes "free" things have a high price tag.
Who in their right mind would be willing to give them a 20 year contract(as the Feds wanted) for this money?
Feb 15, 2011 at 8:05 a.m.
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This is the type of stimulus money you don't want. The type that mandates ongoing spending, expends state resources, and limits future flexibility based on needs. Good job, governor !
Feb 15, 2011 at 7:53 a.m.
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AT&T literally wrote the state's telecommunications law, with minor input from the cable companies. The law serves the incumbent carriers to the detriment of all citizens and other businesses. This move is another example of Walker's sprint to the bottom for our state, and the damage will effect us for generations to come.
Feb 15, 2011 at 7:38 a.m.
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This is horrible! How much did AT&T contribute to his campaign?
Feb 15, 2011 at 7:29 a.m.
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When are we going to go back to Horse and Buggy?
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