Broadband internet service is taking the next step on Washington Island. The state Public Service Commission awarded the Washington Island Electric Cooperative and its partners, Nsight and Door County, a grant of $297,603 for Phase 2 of its broadband expansion. That will involve hooking up to the underwater fiber optic cable between the island and the Door County mainland. Robert Cornell, the Manager of the Washington Island Electric Cooperative, says the next phase will help about a fifth of the island's customers. That includes key service providers.
Cornell says that will be the first step in aiding economic development and new options in health care.
Cornell says Washington Island hopes to have broadband internet available to all residents within the next three-to-four years. The PSC also awarded Hilbert Communications $1,402, 537 to build a 61.7-mile fiber optic line for broadband service in Kewaunee County.