It is great that Fiber optic cable and high-speed internet will be coming to rural northern Wisconsin from stimulus money awarded to thirteen telephone and cable companies. (News From 91.3 KUWS)
Problem – Computers from one year ago are already outdated and have limited use. It is great that Fiber optic cable and high-speed internet will be coming to rural northern Wisconsin from stimulus money awarded to thirteen telephone and cable companies.
Chequamegon Communications is getting the largest amount of the more than $65 million in grants and loans in Wisconsin. Washburn Mayor Ralph Brzezinski says it may contribute to more home-based businesses moving to his area. “People will finally be able to say ‘I can l spend my six months here and not have to go back to where I have the ability to go online and do this work efficiently and quickly. It’s a few years down the line but it’s coming.”
I believe what the problem is that May Brzezinki is being short sighted. Wasburn has for years wanted nothing more than the tourist to drive through up to Bayfield. Now, with technology Wasburn wants them to stay. Why? Because now Wasburn likes the geeks who stay quite, stare at monitors all day and just spend money at cafes. Geeks want more than just a computer — gaming areas (Ashland, WI has that), movie theater (Ashland, WI has 5 screens) and coffee shop with free WiFI (Ashland, WI has that).
I say, skip Wasburn. After your hike come on over to Ashland, WI – we not only have coffee shops, over 20 restaurants, a 5 screen movie theater and great hotels which are all in walking distance to bars, and businesses. Oh, a great view of the lake.
Now Ashland, WI just needs to get city wide Wifi!
Who is Going to Pay for the Computers?
The communities that will be getting broadband include Madeline Island, Brule, Maple, rural Iron River and rural Barnes, as well as Benoit, Herbster, Cable, and Drummond.
An average good (not great) computer with monitor, keyboard and mouse will cost no less than $650, a laptop around $450 and netbooks (with tiny screens) arond $350. So tell me who is going to pay for the computers? Having an option for access is one thing, but who is going to pay for the computers?
The broadband access is not free with prices around $19 a month.
Which brings the tally up to an average home with one computer of $750 / for the first year (if the home doesn’t have a computer) and over a 5 year plan it will cost close to $2500 for the bare minimum access.
But my question remains . . . who will be paying for the computers?
Carter says some of the communities which will be getting broadband hi-speed service from this project include Madeline Island, Brule, Maple, rural Iron River and rural Barnes, as well as Benoit, Herbster, Cable, and Drummond.
Some Average Prices for Computers
| Laptop | Desktop | Netbook |
|---|---|---|
|
|
$519.99 |
$329.97 |
