Brown County, Bug Tussel Officially Light First Fiber Segment of Countywide Broadband Expansion Project
GREEN BAY, Wis. (July 24, 2025) – Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach, along with area leaders and Bug Tussel, officially lit the first fiber segment on Thursday on a project that represents a pivotal moment for the county’s digital future, as the first 20 miles of Bug Tussel’s high-speed fiber optic cable are now operational.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Brown County’s digital future,” says Streckenbach. “This public-private partnership with Bug Tussel delivers essential infrastructure that strengthens everything from emergency response to educational opportunities.”
This first 20-mile segment represents part of a comprehensive 2023 Brown County and Bug Tussel partnership established to deploy over 200 miles of fiber and several wireless towers throughout underserved Brown County communities. Fixed wireless service has already been installed at six sites, passing over 12,000 homes and businesses. The full fiber network is expected to serve approximately 2,500 homes.
The completed fiber, known as the Pittsfield segment, gives high-speed internet connection access to nearly 400 homes and businesses. The fiber route passes key community assets, including the Pittsfield Town Hall, Brown County Library Pulaski Branch, NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Sensiba State Wildlife Area, and Brown County Reforestation Camp. Educational infrastructure is strengthened with connections near Lannoye and Suamico elementary schools, while emergency services receive enhanced reliability through fiber redundancy to a 911 radio tower.
“This is exactly the forward-thinking infrastructure investment our communities need,” says Brown County Supervisor Thomas Lund. “We’re strengthening our schools, libraries, and emergency services while creating new opportunities for residents and businesses.”
“This first fiber segment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring no Brown County resident is left behind in the digital economy,” expands Brown County Supervisor James Pyle. “Reliable high-speed internet is essential infrastructure.”
Scott Feldt, Executive Director of Public Affairs for Bug Tussel, explains, “We’re proud to partner with Brown County in bridging the digital divide. This fiber network delivers opportunity, connecting students to educational resources, families to telehealth services, and local businesses to global markets.”
Meanwhile, network expansion, site preparation, and additional fiber deployment continue for the future segments of the countywide broadband expansion project, with construction of those projects continuing throughout 2025. Brown County and Bug Tussel will continue to update milestones and coordinate future events when appropriate.
About Bug Tussel
Bug Tussel owns and operates one of the most extensive fiber and wireless networks in rural Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The company invests heavily in bringing internet connectivity to rural America and its growing network now spans over 400 communities. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bug Tussel envisions a future where everyone, regardless of geographic or economic situation, can connect to world-class high-speed internet. Learn more at btussel.com.
