The Eau Claire County Broadband Committee is pursuing an opportunity to participate in a pilot project that would provide high-speed internet access to households and businesses in an unserved and underserved area of southeastern Eau Claire County.

The Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors has authorized the Broadband Committee to move forward pursuing project funding, to apply for a WEDC grant, and determine users to participate in the pilot project, and development an agreement for those users. Fact Sheet 20-21-100.  

What is SpaceX?

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. 

Starlink is a SpaceX pilot project that provides high-speed broadband internet access using low-orbit satellites; a new technology that may work very well in rural areas lacking good internet access. The advantage of this new technology is low latency which should support reliable secure connections.   

Eau Claire County Identified as
Potential Pilot Area 

The Public Service Commission (PSC), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and SpaceX have identified an area of Eau Claire County as a potential pilot site for the Starlink Project.

The WEDC and PSC approached the Eau Claire County’s Broadband Committee to determine interest in participating in a program that could bring high-speed internet access to 50 households in the identified area. 

This map shows the area in southeastern Eau Claire County that has been identified by the PSC and SpaceX as a potential pilot site. The pilot project offered by SpaceX  would initially service 50 users for 12 months. 

Project Costs and Funding 

The total project cost is estimated to be $85,000. The Broadband Committee is working to fund the entire cost of the pilot project through grants, contributions from collaborating partners and a commitment from Eau Claire County itself.

The equipment for each connection costs $499 and the monthly service fee is $99 per month. These costs will be covered for all participants during the 12-month pilot project. After the pilot project, participating households and businesses will have the opportunity to continue the service by paying the $99 monthly service fee. 

Due to the limited number of connection available as part of the pilot project, not everyone that applies will be able to participate.  Further questions may be directed to the Eau Claire County Broadband Committee.