Metropolitan Unified Fiber Network Project (MUFN)
The Metropolitian Unified Fiber Network (MUFN) is a public-private partnership to enhance broadband capacity, affordability and access in the greater Madison metropolitan area to spur economic development and improve public services. The consortium brings together various education, government, health care, library and not-for-profit groups along with commercial entities to facilitate access to and sharing of broadband infrastructure and technical knowledge. UW-Madison led the consortium effort to develop the network that began in 2009 with a $5.1 million Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Agency.
Outcomes
The MUFN project has enabled public and private entities to improve their broadband capacity by a factor of 10 to 100 times for most public entity participants and improved affordability and access in the greater Madison metropolitan area to service public, business and residential groups. The project used local contractors and regionally sourced materials to stimulate the economy during the 2008-09 recession. Infrastructure installed by this UW-led project will serve the region for the next 10 to 40 years. In addition, certain portions of the infrastructure are being used by commercial telecommunication carriers to improve 4G and eventually roll out 5G wireless services used by business and consumers in the greater Madison area.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Patrick Christian
Project Coordinator
- Department/Unit
- DoIT Network Services