Rural Wisconsin town gets high-speed Internet access

Mauston, Wis. – High-speed Internet access is now a reality for one rural Wisconsin town thanks to a new non-line-of-sight wireless broadband system. Toronto-based WaveRider Communications Inc. is working with local companies LVT Corp. and Oakdale Electric Cooperative to implement its Last Mile Solution products in Mauston. The city previously lacked access to broadband Internet services.

“The response in Mauston has been tremendous, with many of the local businesses, including a popular restaurant chain, already using our wireless broadband services,” said James Costello, president of LVT Corp. “Many of our business subscribers want wireless broadband access in their homes, now that they have experienced it at their workplace. We are working with these companies to extend special offers on wireless service to their employees in Mauston.”

WaveRider’s Last Mile Solution is distinguished in the non-line-of-sight category by its user-installed antenna, which enables broadband connections through buildings, tree canopies and other line-of-sight barriers.

LVT Corp. and Oakdale Electric Cooperative provide Internet services to Juneau and Monroe counties. In addition to its wireless services, LVT Corp. delivers DSL as well as digital television over its copper telephone lines to communities within its service area. LVT Corp. will manage the roll-out of the wireless network.

LVT Corp. is the latest member of ANPI, a member-owned consortium comprised of more than 300 independent telephone companies throughout the United States, to deploy WaveRider’s Last Mile Solution products. “Independent telephone companies are increasingly using wireless networks to drive their broadband deployment strategies,” said Dave Lewis, president and chief operating officer of ANPI/NewStreets. “Choosing the right technology is crucial for delivering the advanced voice, data and video applications that the market is looking for.”

LVT Corp. is a subsidiary of Lemonweir Valley Telephone Company and provides long distance, Internet, cellular and digital telephone services to portions of Monroe and Juneau counties.

Oakdale Electric Cooperative provides electric distribution to most of Monroe and Juneau counties and portions of Jackson, Sauk and Wood counties.