Go Gig

Go Gig started as a statewide vision for the rollout of “big Internet” across Wisconsin. This vision set the tone for how we plan to approach federal broadband stimulus dollars. We intend to extend Wisconsin’s broadband infrastructure statewide, then connect community anchor institutions into community area networks. Learn more through the following links or contact John Pederson at johnpederson@wiscnet.net or Maddy Covelli at covelli@wiscnet.net.

Open Letter to the Community Area Networks Regarding Phase #1 of Go Gig

Thank you for your efforts as we work to acquire federal stimulus funds to help transform Wisconsin’s statewide broadband infrastructure. We greatly appreciate the passion with which communities have come together to develop an extraordinary strategy.

We are writing to provide you with an update regarding the Partnership Broadband grant/Go-Gig proposal being developed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, WiscNet, 15 communities statewide, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

As you know, the Federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains $7.2 billion in funding for two broadband programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Agriculture. The funds will be awarded in three phases, the first being in August, the second and third phases following this fall and next spring.

In the first phase, the State of Wisconsin has decided to go forward with only one grant application. Therefore, there will be a single application filed by the Wisconsin Department of Administration on behalf of the State of Wisconsin. The first application is meant to increase broadband access primarily to public libraries and school districts.

The public/private partnerships that have been established at the local community level are very important to our success. We are pleased to have received over 100 letters of support for the Go-Gig vision and proposal that signifies an important need for change. So as we move to second and third phases, we are optimistic that, with your continued help, we will be able to put a clear strategy in place that helps ensure Wisconsin invests in communications infrastructure for communities all across Wisconsin.

We appreciate your interest and support over the past several months and you will be kept informed of developments as we move forward.

Sincerely,

University of Wisconsin – Extension
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board
WiscNet
University of Wisconsin – System

Executive Summary
A summary of the Go Gig grant proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions
Everybody enjoys a good FAQ.

Initial Meeting Presentation
Initial community area network meeting.

Follow Up Meeting Presentation
Follow-up community area network meeting.

Community Presentation
For use by people in their communities.

Community Contacts
Regional Go Gig contact information.

Go Gig Proposed Statewide Backbone (Phase #1)
Revised 7/28/2009.

Go Gig Statewide Supporters
Nice folk who have submitted letters of support.