New Commerce Program Encourages Broadband Availability

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON-Internet providers seeking to provide broadband capability to previously unserved or underserved areas of Wisconsin can earn sales and income tax credits through a new Department of Commerce (Commerce) program, Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke announced today.

"The Broadband Tax Exemption and Credit Program creates an incentive to expand broadband service around Wisconsin," said Secretary Burke. "Broadband availability is a key ingredient in a community's ability to attract new businesses and foster the growth and development of both established and entrepreneurial businesses."

Under the program, Commerce can allocate up to $7.5 million in tax incentives among businesses that will make investments, over the next two years, in equipment designed to provide broadband Internet availability to unserved or underserved areas of Wisconsin. The agency will review proposed equipment purchases and service plans to determine qualification for tax benefits. This equipment is defined as capable of transmitting data packets or Internet signals at speeds of at least 200 kilobits per second. Only approved purchases of eligible Internet equipment will be will be exempt from state sales taxes and earn businesses income tax credits in each of the next two years.

Application deadline is April 13. For more information, contact John Stricker, Commerce, at 608/261-7710.

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