By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, written by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), passed the Senate Committee of Commerce, Science and Technology Wednesday (July 24).
The goal of the legislation is to improve how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps rural areas and help with the expansion of broadband internet to those places.
“Reliable high-speed broadband is critical to strengthening small businesses and communities throughout rural Wisconsin,” Baldwin said in a statement. “Our bipartisan legislation will modernize the broadband mapping process, assuring that all broadband maps are accurate and effective. Access to broadband is necessary to make sure every person in Wisconsin has the tools to compete in today’s digitally-run economy—no matter where they live.”
A recent study found nearly 20% of Wisconsin residents have limited or no access to high-speed internet.