There is one fact about the connection between Broadband and economic development- communities that have reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband are more competitive in recruiting and retaining both businesses and talented workers.
In an ongoing effort to help close the digital divide in rural America, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation investor Bloomer Broadband (previously known as Bloomer Telephone Company) continues its movement forward to deliver high-speed broadband services to rural Eau Claire County and Chippewa County, specifically focusing on bringing high-speed internet to 600 Seymour, Hallie and Lafayette residents and businesses.
The current project is the sponsored and partially funded by Bloomer Broadband, and partially funded by a Wisconsin state grant, as well as Eau Claire County and Chippewa County ARPA grants, and Townships of Seymour and Hallie ARPA grants, administered by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Through this effort, Bloomer Broadband anticipates having a significant positive impact on the local economy and the live of its residents.
Construction is well underway, and services will be available later this year. Bloomer Broadband offers internet speeds from 100 Mbps to a regional high-speed record at 2.5 Gig, along with an advanced Managed Wi-Fi service.
“Bloomer Broadband has a rich history of investing in the Chippewa Valley. We are excited to expand our fiber network to rural Eau Claire County and Chippewa County families, businesses and farms, giving them access to the most reliable and fastest internet connection available in the area.” said Bloomer Broadband’s General Manager, Kent Klima. “Now more than ever, customers are demanding a reliable, fast, and affordable connection. Bloomer Broadband will provide that!”
Since its founding in 1901, Bloomer Broadband has been in the business of bettering its communities through investment in cutting-edge communications technology. Today, it delivers Gigabit fiber internet, phone, and TV services to more than 3,000 homes and businesses throughout Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire counties.
CEDC continues to help improve broadband access in variety of ways- assist with assessing need, educating our local legislators and stakeholders, building coalitions of broadband ambassadors, and helping to securing funding. We have been working to better position our communities for growth and for years have been asked by site selectors, relators, and developers for years about broadband speeds and availability. Our local manufacturers need Gigabit service to transfer CAD files, manage inventory and automate-use more robots. Small businesses need Gigabit for marketing and online sales. Farmers use it to manage inputs and track prices. The numerous economic and social advantages that high-speed internet fuels are only starting to be felt across the rural United States, particularly in regions that have traditionally lagged behind in advancing technology. CEDC salutes and congratulates Bloomer Broadband for bringing state-of-the-art fiber broadband to our corner of rural Wisconsin!