Television in Rural Wisconsin: Why Streaming Services Are a Game-Changer
For decades, television in Wisconsin’s countryside was dominated by satellite dishes and basic cable packages. These services filled a gap in communities where over-the-air signals struggled to reach, and local stations were sparse. Providers like Dish Network and DirecTV became household names, not because they offered the best content, but because they were the only viable option.
The Decline of Cable and Satellite
Today, that is shifting. In rural areas, families are trading in their cable boxes and satellite dishes for smart TVs and streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Where watching TV once meant bulky hardware and limited options, now it’s as simple as tapping a remote–assuming there’s a solid internet connection. Streaming offers greater control over what to watch and when to watch it, with vast libraries of on-demand content and far fewer commercials. In fact, 63% of rural households bundle internet and TV services 1, reflecting how broadband has shaped video entertainment.
For members of the cooperative, the benefits are even more tangible. VernonCom Stream can save you money compared to traditional IPTV, while still giving you access to exact same channels. And in rural households where entertainment options can be limited, streaming presents an excellent solution.
The Broadband Bottleneck
While the technology has arrived, not everyone in rural Wisconsin can take full advantage of it. The core issue is broadband access–or rather, lack of it. Streaming doesn’t work without fast, reliable internet, and many rural areas still fall short of what’s needed. In some communities, even basic video streaming in standard definition is a struggle, let alone HD or 4K.
Looking At The Road Ahead
Despite any challenges, the impact of streaming is already evident. In places where going to the movies means a 45-minute drive, and where TV antennas often deliver little more than static, streaming opens up entire worlds. Kids in rural schools can watch nature documentaries, educational programs, and science series that enrich their learning. Seniors can revisit the shows and music of their youth. Friends and family can gather for Sunday night football.
More Than Entertainment
In many small towns, where isolation can be as much a social challenge as a geographic one, streaming offers connection. It brings voices beyond the township line and stories that might otherwise never be heard. It also provides a platform for local creators to share their own stories with a wider audience, whether it’s through YouTube, Vimeo, or other emerging platforms.
The momentum is undeniable. As broadband continues to expand–albeit slowly–the reliance on traditional cable and satellite will continue to fade. The future of television in rural Wisconsin isn’t wired to a dish on the roof or a cable running through the wall. The question now isn’t whether the shift will happen. It’s how quickly, and equitably, it can be completed.
Ultimately, the rise of streaming services in Wisconsin isn’t just about technology. It’s about giving families the tools to stay informed, entertained, and connected to a world that’s increasingly digital.
Sources
1 Innovative Systems March 27, 2023. (2023, April 4). 2023 broadband and Video report: 63% of rural Americans bundle internet and TV. Fiber Broadband Association. https://fiberbroadband.org/2023/03/ 27/2023-broadband-and-video-report-63-of-rural-americans-bundle-internet-and-tv/?utm
