For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – Wood County residents are asked to take an internet speed test to help identify areas of broadband need in their community.

“Access to broadband is vital for the economic health and growth of our area. Yet many homes and businesses have no broadband access or internet service speeds that fall far below federal standards,” stated a Wood County release.

A Wood County stakeholder workgroup is leading the charge to build community support and apply for grant funds to fill the gaps in service.  Its latest effort is to promote the internet speed test. 

“Broadband access is critical for education, business, economic development and overall quality of life for Wood County residents,” stated Lance Pliml, Wood County Board chair. “We are asking residents and businesses to take the speed test to help identify areas of greatest need. Our goal is to get speed tests from 3,400 locations.”

Wood County is collaborating with North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and others on statewide speed testing.

To participate, visit www.ncwrpc.org/ncwrpc2021/broadband-speed-test on your home computer, not your cell phone.

“Even those residents without internet access can help by logging onto the site from a friend’s home or the local library. Click on ‘Enter an address with No Available Service’ to complete the survey. Another option is to call Wood County Planning & Zoning 715-421-8466 to report the address with no service,” the release added.