Langlade County Launches Internet Speed Test to Boost Broadband Infrastructure

ANTIGO, Wis. (WSAW) – Improved broadband could boost economic development in Langlade County. Langlade County Economic Development encourages people who live or travel there to take the speed test.

It only takes about a minute and you’ll want to make sure to turn off your data and use WIFI for the test. Here is the link to the site with the barcode.

Completing the survey can help the county understand what speeds are like throughout the region and ultimately help them secure broadband grants.

The latest data collected by the FCC from the census seems misleading.

“So if one person had broadband in a census block, that meant everyone had broadband,” said Angie Close, director of economic development for Langlade County.

However, that was not the case. Since the county has a lot of forests and hills, the topography has an effect.

“They have a lot of seasonal cabin owners who basically have second homes here,” said Langlade County Forestry Administrator Al Murray.

Tourism drives economic growth in the region, but poor or no internet can deter people from visiting.

“A lot of people are working from home right now, so if they can come and visit and stay and have broadband they can still do their jobs, they’re going to stay longer,” Close said.

Langlade County Economic Development would like to receive responses by May 8th. If you know you don’t have service, you can also use the same link using your phone data to report it.