Press Release: Gov. Evers, PSC Award $1.7 Million to Expand Access and Affordability of Telecommunications Services in Wisconsin

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 05/18/2026 05:00 AM CDT

Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers, PSC Award $1.7 Million to Expand Access and Affordability of Telecommunications Services in Wisconsin
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), today announced the award of $1.7 million in grant funding to improve access to and affordability of essential telecommunication services in Wisconsin. Projects receiving funding work to provide eligible households with discounts on the cost of phone, cellphone, and internet services, access to telecommunications services for eligible households and individuals with disabilities, and the purchase of specialized medical telecommunications equipment to enhance access to medical care in rural and/or underserved areas of the state. 

PSC awarded a total of 29 grants from the 2026 rounds of the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, and the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program. These programs are funded by the state Universal Service Fund (USF), which was created to promote and assist with the availability and affordability of telecommunications services in Wisconsin.

“Staying connected in this day and age is a vital part of daily life, but we know that there are still far too many folks, families, and communities who don’t have access to services that meet their basic needs,” said Gov. Evers. “So, whether it’s helping bridge affordability gaps, expanding access, or bringing new opportunities to rural communities, these dollars will go a long way in helping ensure folks have the connectivity they need to be well in the 21st Century.”

Programs supported by the USF complement the Evers Administration’s broadband expansion efforts by funding nonprofit operating programs and projects to increase telecommunications access. Gov. Evers and his administration have done more to expand access to high-speed internet in Wisconsin than any other administration in state history. Since 2019, Gov. Evers has allocated more than $345 million in state and federal funds to expand high-speed internet, including the largest state investment in state history. Thanks to the Evers Administration’s efforts, more than 410,000 Wisconsin homes and businesses will have access to new or improved high-speed internet.

“The 29 grants awarded by the PSC this year highlight the importance of the vital support the Universal Service Fund provides to grant programs that help people in Wisconsin access essential, more affordable telecommunications services and devices,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “I want to thank our 2026 grant award recipients for crafting thoughtful and impactful projects that will help Wisconsinites connect with loved ones, receive medical care, seek employment, continue their education, and more. We are grateful for their partnership on our mission to minimize the digital divide in our state.”


Nonprofit Access Grant Program 

The PSC awarded $500,000 from the Nonprofit Access Grant Program to 15 nonprofit organizations to help provide access to telecommunications services for eligible households and persons with disabilities. Projects receiving funding include:

  • Benedict Center Inc., $62,971; 
  • Boys & Girls Club of Janesville Inc., $49,999; 
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area Inc., $25,000; 
  • Digital Bridge, $30,000; 
  • Foundation for Rural Housing Inc., $37,500; 
  • Grace Lutheran Foundation, $12,858; 
  • Herzing University LTD, $45,000; 
  • Indianhead Community Action Agency, $46,735; 
  • Movin’ Out Inc., $15,114; 
  • Pathway Home of South-Central Wisconsin Inc., $7,875; 
  • Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin, $45,000; 
  • SOAR Fox Cities, $15,075; 
  • United Way of Wisconsin, $76,623; 
  • Vision Forward Association, $15,250; and 
  • Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Inc. $15,000. 

Additional information about the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, including award recipients, is available on PSC’s website. 

Lifeline Outreach Grant Program 

The PSC awarded $243,964 from the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program to fund four projects to increase participation in the Lifeline Program, which provides eligible households discounts on the cost of phone, cellphone, and internet services. 

 

Three nonprofit organizations received funding under the Outreach and Education track to improve outreach and raise awareness of the Lifeline Program. One institution of higher education received funding under the Research and Resource track to investigate Lifeline program enrollment barriers experienced by military veterans and individuals with disabilities, and to propose potential solutions to reduce the barriers identified. These projects include: 

  • ABC for Rural Health Inc., $67,155; 
  • 211 Wisconsin Inc., $69,318; 
  • Hope Restores Corporation, $48,950; and 
  • University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents (on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), $58,541. 

Additional information about the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, including award recipients, is available on PSC’s website.

Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program 

The PSC awarded $1 million from the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program to 10 nonprofit medical clinics and public health agencies, including Tribal healthcare facilities. This funding supports the purchase of specialized medical telecommunications equipment used to promote technologically advanced medical services, to enhance access to medical care in rural and/or underserved areas of the state, or to enhance access to medical care by underserved populations and/or persons with disabilities. Projects receiving funding include:

  • Ascension SE Wisconsin Inc., $91,845;  
  • Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation Inc., $6,894;  
  • Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc., $175,660;  
  • Mile Bluff Medical Center Inc., $51,546;  
  • Progressive Community Health Centers Inc., $98,068; 
  • Rock River Community Clinic, $64,896;  
  • Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Inc., $87,612;  
  • Sokaogon Chippewa Community Health Clinic, $243,274; 
  • St. Vincent Hospital of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, $77,805; and 
  • The Lakes Community Health Center, $102,400. 

Additional information about the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program, including award recipients, is available on PSC’s website.

Additionally, USF provides funding for various grants and programs that help Wisconsin residents receive essential and advanced telecommunications services. Below are customer assistance programs funded through the USF:

  • The Lifeline Program provides eligible Wisconsin residents with affordable access to essential telecommunications services by discounting the cost of phone, cell, and internet services.  
  • The Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) helps people with disabilities buy the special equipment they need to use basic telephone services.  
  • The Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay Service is a free communication service that provides full telephone accessibility to Wisconsin citizens who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or those with a speech disability.   

Internet service providers also offer a variety of discounted options to eligible customers. The PSC’s Internet Discount Finder is available to find customer assistance offerings.  
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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