Advantages, obstacles
If the network is installed, Christopher Mitchell, director of the community broadband networks initiative with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, said he expects private companies to lower their rates to compete with the city s offering.
Competition would keep more money in the community, which is good for the local economy, but it could slow the city’s efforts to move to a higher capacity, more reliable fiber optic network.
Mitchell said the biggest advantage of building a fiber optic network is competition for the dominant provider, which leads to better prices and faster upgrades.
Another upside is keeping revenue in a community rather than sending it to a corporation out of state.
Feb 5, 2021
REEDSBURG, Wis. Michael Roland Sloat, age 71, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away from a hard-fought battle with cancer, at home surrounded by family, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Michael was born on July 3, 1949, to Roland and Ann Marie (nee Roe) Sloat in Iron River. While attending Michigan Technological University, he met and married Christine (nee Alger), graduated with a degree in biology/biochemistry, and moved to Wisconsin.
He worked for a proprietary wet-air oxidation company for several years and then moved to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. At the DNR, Mike worked in the Environmental Management Division, first in the Wastewater Program and then transferred to the Air Management program.