Mediacom expanding fiber-optic network into three new Crawford County communities
Prairie Du Chien, WI – OCTOBER 20 2020 -- Mediacom Communications is expanding broadband availability in Crawford County with installation of a public Wi-Fi network in downtown Prairie du Chien, and new construction to extend its fiber optic network to homes and businesses in the communities of Eastman, Seneca and Mt. Sterling.
The three rural communities were not previously connected to Mediacom’s network and could not access the advanced services and Gigabit broadband speeds the company delivers to residents in Prairie du Chien, Ferryville, Solder’s Grove, Gays Mills and Bridgeport Township.
Mediacom proposed building 8.58 miles of new network fiber to connect homes and businesses in the underserved communities. Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission (PSC) selected the Crawford County project to receive matching-fund grants of $256,685 from the state’s broadband expansion program. Mediacom will invest an equal amount as part of the company’s commitment to help close digital divides in rural America.
Network engineers began installing conduit in the ground earlier this month. The project will build new fiber optic communication lines extending from Mediacom’s primary network to the premises of more than 260 homes and businesses in Eastman, Seneca and Mt. Sterling. December 31 is the estimated project completion date.
In downtown Prairie du Chien, Mediacom recently installed and activated a community Wi-Fi network to provide free internet access for residents and visitors. The Wi-Fi network covers a commercial area along both sides of West and East Blackhawk Avenue from Main Street (Hwy 18) on the west end, to Blackhawk Junction Mall at the east. When people are in the area to shop or attend community events, they can use “Xtream Wi-Fi” hotspots as a cost-free option for internet access. The project was completed earlier this month and was paid for entirely by Mediacom.
“People of all ages want to be active on social media or search information that’s available at their fingertips. When community events are held along Blackhawk Avenue, people will now find it easy to be online to post photos, share their experiences and stay connected,” said Mediacom Area Operations Director Zachary Raskovich.
Mediacom internet customers, whether they live in Prairie du Chien or anywhere else, automatically receive unlimited access to the Wi-Fi hotspots. Non-customers can connect and receive free access for up to 30 minutes per month. When users prompt their smart phone or tablet to search for network availability, they will see the hotspots listed as “Xtream WiFi.”
To connect for the first time, users are prompted to go to https://mediacomcable.com/xtream-hotspots/ for more information.
Contact:
Phyllis PetersSenior Director, Communicationsppeters@mediacomcc.comAbout Mediacom Communications
Mediacom Communications Corporation is the 5th largest cable operator in the United States and the leading gigabit broadband provider to smaller markets primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Through its fiber-rich network, Mediacom offers high-speed data, video, phone, and mobile services to over 3 million households and businesses across 22 states. The company delivers scalable broadband solutions to commercial and public-sector customers of all sizes through Mediacom Business and sells advertising and production services under the OnMedia brand. More information about Mediacom is available at mediacomcable.com.