WI Residents
What is broadband? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as ‘high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access.’ There is no need to disconnect or reconnect to the network, and it does not block phone lines during usage.
Milkshake? Broadband differs from dial-up service in a number of ways. First, it’s much faster. Think of information flow as being like drinking a thick milkshake through a straw. The larger the straw, the easier and quicker the milkshake can flow. Broadband is much the same for information. The ‘pipeline,’ or straw, is much broader and can transmit information much faster than a dial-up connection. A broader bandwidth: broadband. See LinkWISCONSIN for more information.
How can I get internet? You will need to know what types of broadband are available for you to use. If you live in Wisconsin, you can find service providers for your community on the LinkWISCONSIN interactive map. To use, click on the area of the map you want to see broadband providers for, and you will get a pop up box listing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with contact information.
Types of broadband (what do I need? what does that mean?) The great thing about broadband is that you don’t need to understand the terminology or details of how it works to take advantage of its benefits. See LinkWISCONSIN to understand as little (the basics) or as much (beyond the basics) about broadband’s behind-the-scenes technologies as you care to.
What speed do I need? To make this decision, you should consider what you will be using the Internet for and how many people will be sharing one Internet connection. The FCC has a step-by-step guide to make choices about the kind of broadband service that’s best for you. If you’re interested in the speed you need for a particular online activity, see the FCC’s Broadband Speed Guide. This guide shows the minimum download speed that’s needed for good performance for each kind of activity.
I don’t have internet service and I want it! Let LinkWISCONSIN know if you don’t have service and you want it for your business or home. They’re mapping the state and can use this information to help connect customers.
