Marathon County, WI
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Broadband in Marathon County
Marathon County is the largest county in the state of Wisconsin (1,545 square miles) and the 10th largest in population (137,958 according to 2022 US Census Bureau data).
According to 2023 federal data, Marathon County has approximately 15,000 addresses that have no or very slow internet access. 43% of Marathon County residents live in rural areas. Rural broadband presents a unique challenge, as the cost of running infrastructure to rural locations is high.
Marathon County has been working to expand internet access since 2009. We continue to work with county residents, community leaders, the state of Wisconsin and internet service providers to find ways to improve internet access in the County. Our goal is to ensure every address in Marathon County has access to reliable and affordable internet access.
We accomplish this by working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Marathon County to identify areas of need and coordinate the ISP efforts to seek federal and state funding to expand internet service to these areas.
Since 2014, the state of Wisconsin has provided 11 statewide broadband grant initiatives and the Federal Government has funded 2 grant initiatives – resulting in over $300 million broadband investment in the state of Wisconsin: PSC Broadband Grant Programs (wi.gov).
It is an enormous and important initiative, somewhat comparable to early 20th century efforts to bring access to electricity to every address in the nation. And while these efforts take time, we are making progress. According to the Public Service Commission, there are 56,293 broadband serviceable locations in Marathon County. However, 14,116 addresses remain un- or underserved.
Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD)
In 2024, we are on the cusp of the single largest funding initiative to bring internet access to all – the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The BEAD grant program provides grants to Internet Service Providers to subsidize the cost of building the infrastructure. In return, the Internet Service Providers must agree to follow several conditions, including fair labor practices and providing affordable options to eligible customers.
Marathon County is working to identify every address that is considered unserved or underserved and to ensure the federal data on these areas is accurate. We work with Internet Service Providers in the county to identify and apply for grant funding for these areas, and we monitor their progress.
The Public Service Commission anticipates the BEAD grant application period to be completed in 2024, with funded projects completed by the end of 2030.
Timeline of Marathon County Broadband Expansion Efforts
Maps of Expansion Efforts
Over the past few years, Marathon County has collaborated with Internet Service Providers to secure grant funding to expand broadband access. If you have any questions on either of these projects, please contact the Internet Service Provider directly.