Public-private venture wins grant to extend Internet links to underserved areas

A broad partnership of Madison-area education, health, government and nonprofit organizations, including UW–Madison, has been awarded $5.1 million in federal stimulus funding to expand access to computer networks for underserved communities and local agencies.

The public-private joint venture will create the Metropolitan Unified Fiber Network (MUFN), a fiber-optic broadband system that will augment existing network facilities and extend technology resources to participating agencies and community support programs. MUFN will construct 57.05 miles of new high-count, fiber-optic cable and 35.25 miles of new conduit to improve the so-called “middle-mile” infrastructure in and around Madison.

It will significantly improve access to Internet resources for at-risk populations, enhance network connectivity for public safety agencies and provide more cost-effective network service for area public schools.

MUFN will serve three area hospitals and numerous clinics; three local governments; three school districts; colleges; libraries; and more than two dozen community support organizations. In addition to community organizations, approximately 50,000 homes and 5,000 businesses may be able to take advantage of this infrastructure.

The MUFN project will create 72 jobs, according to project leaders, and use local businesses and American-made materials to stimulate the economy in the Dane County region and the U.S. Improved broadband access will aid at least four business incubators and other research facilities, possibly generating more “spin-off” jobs.