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(608) 267-4417

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201 W. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
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Barbro McGinn
barbro.mcginn@wisconsin.gov
(608) 261-7713

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(608) 266-3151

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Scott Walker
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IMPORTANT: As of July 1st, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to other state agencies and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The former Commerce web site will continue to exist for the next several months as resources are moved to new web site locations. We will make every attempt possible to direct our users to the new locations as web resources are moved.

Paving the Way for Cell Phone and Internet Access for 350,000 Wisconsin Citizens

Governor Jim Doyle today recently announced $7.5 million in sales tax exemptions and tax credits for businesses to expand broadband access - providing cell phone and high speed Internet service for 350,000 Wisconsin citizens. The tax credits will help nine businesses invest more than $80 million to expand broadband access - benefiting 261 communities in 63 counties across the state. Governor Doyle announced the tax credits as part of the broad effort to grow the economy in Northern Wisconsin.

"To grow our entire state economy, we must work from region to region, and develop efforts tailored to local communities," Governor Doyle said. "For businesses, entrepreneurs, and families to be successful, they need access to cell phone and high speed Internet access."

The Internet Equipment Tax Credit and Exemption Program was designed to encourage the extension of high-speed Internet service to parts of Wisconsin currently unserved or served by only one provider. Nine businesses claiming sales tax exemptions for the purchase of equipment used in the broadband market will receive an equivalent amount of Wisconsin income taxes in each of two succeeding years.

The nine businesses will invest more than $80 million to install equipment providing broadband service. The projects will reach 261 communities in 63 counties.

Business Tax Credits Leveraged
nvestment

Amery Telcom, Inc.

$175,203

$1,168,010

AT&T

$1,031,988

$6,879,915

CenturyTel, Inc.

$4,872,402

$62,832,676

DiscoverNet of Wisconsin LLC

$241,950

$1,613,000

Door Peninsula Internet, Inc.

$42,729

$284,850

Lakeland Communications

$340,587

$2,270,593

Midwest Fiber Networks

$174,591

$1,163,948

Northern Net Exposure

$486,000

$3,240,000

TDS Telecommunications Corporation

$134,550

$897,000

-- Tony Hozeny