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BEAD Challenge Process - Rebuttal Phase
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), in order to provide access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is administering the BEAD program in Wisconsin.
The Commission continues to administer the BEAD Program Challenge Process. The Challenge Submission period opened on April 29, 2024, and concluded on May 29, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CT. Commission staff completed the comprehensive review of all submitted challenges and determined which challenges meet the required minimum level of evidence. The 30-day rebuttal period began on June 20, 2024 and closes on July 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CT.
The 30-day BEAD Challenge Rebuttal Period is open for eligible participants to rebut eligible challenges. All rebuttals must be submitted by July 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CT to Docket 5-BCH-2024 using the provided rebuttal submission templates. Participants should reference the posted challenges data, the BEAD Challenge Map, and the updated Step-by-Step Rebuttal Instructions when compiling rebuttals.
UW Extension is hosting BEAD Rebuttal Office Hours for interested parties and eligible challengers that wish to ask questions.
- Thursday June 27, 2024 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday July 2, 2024 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday July 11, 2024 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Sign up for Rebuttal Office Hours here.
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Digital Connectivity and Navigator Grants Due July 3rd
Applications for funding through Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity and Navigators Grant Program, which provides up to $33 million in funding for projects that promote digital connectivity applications are due July 3, 2024 by 1:30 p.m. CT. The grants can fund projects that deploy devices - such as computers, laptops, and tablets for eligible households. The program also promotes digital connectivity through the installation of Wi-Fi equipment in eligible multi-dwelling unit buildings, which includes apartment buildings, condominiums, and mobile home parks. Both approaches must include the provision of digital navigation services to ensure Wisconsinites can make full use of the internet for work, education, health monitoring, and other essential activities.
The Commission has posted amended application instructions, an Application Question Table document, and a Frequently Asked Questions document to the webpage.
The Commission docket for the Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity and Navigators Grant Program is 5-CPF-2024. To ensure you receive communication regarding the grant program, please subscribe to the docket.
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Commission Awards $1.4 million in Universal Service Fund Grants
This spring, the Commission announced awards of $1,481,167 to help Wisconsin residents access essential telecommunications services. The Commission awarded a total of 24 grants from the 2024 rounds of the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, and the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program, all of which are funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF was created to promote and assist with the availability and affordability of telecommunications services in Wisconsin. These grants will improve access to telecommunication service for Wisconsin residents.
Federal Broadband and Digital Equity Updates
Rural Utilities Service Broadband Technical Assistance Grant Opportunity
The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) grant opportunity is open for applications. The $25 million available for BTA is made possible by the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law and will be administered through the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Broadband Technical Assistance refers to activities that support broadband expansion into rural areas and may include activities related to: project planning and community engagement; financial sustainability; environmental compliance; construction planning and engineering; accessing federal resources and data collection and reporting.
RUS is accepting applications from broadband technical assistance providers and technical assistance recipients. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on August 20, 2024.
Digital Equity Capacity Grant Native Entities Application - Coming Soon
The Digital Equity Capacity Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity establishes a competitive process to make both Digital Equity Planning Grant Program funds and Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program funds available to Native Entities to carry out digital equity and inclusion activities consistent with the Digital Equity Act. The application window for Native Entities, including federally recognized Tribes will open on September 25, 2024 and close on February 7, 2025. More information is available on NTIA's grant program page.
FCC Releases 4th Iteration of the National Broadband Map
On May 21, 2024 the Federal Communication Commission released the 4th iteration of the Federal Broadband Map. This map uses the fourth version of the broadband serviceable location fabric and the internet service availability reported as of December 31, 2023 by internet service providers. The most up-to-date version of the National Broadband Map is available here.
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 Digital Equity for Small and Rural Communities Webinar
NTIA will host a webinar on Thursday June 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT. Broadband connectivity can help small and rural communities become more economically competitive and create opportunities for sustained and prosperous growth. This webinar will look at the unique challenges small and rural communities face and innovative solutions that improve access and digital equity in these communities.
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 The Affordable Connectivity Program Created Benefits that Far Outweigh the Program's Costs
Written by Benton Senior Fellow John Horrigan, this report analyzes the economic impact of this program through the lens of financial benefits for subscribers. Horrigan's exploration found that ACP subsidy provided financial impacts to those using the program in excess of the cost of the benefit.
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Grant Recipient Corner
Eligible Costs and Support Documents
Each grant agreement (GA) defines eligible costs as those that the Commission can audit, and which directly pertain to the project that was presented to and awarded by the Commission. Further, the costs must be incurred during the GA’s performance period and must not be covered by other state or federal funding.
To be reimbursable or qualify as match, all expenses must be eligible and must be properly supported with documentation. The Reimbursement section of each GA defines the minimum support required to request funds or report match expenses. At any time, the Commission may also ask for more information (for example internal accounting policies and procedures, detailed payroll records, travel policy) and it is the Grantee’s responsibility to have and furnish this information as requested.
Contact your grants specialists any time you have questions about support document requirements.
Reminder: ARPA Broadband Infrastructure Quarterly Reports due July 10
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The Wisconsin Broadband Office will send out regular communication to internet service providers, grant applicants and broadband stakeholders. We aim to be relevant and share timely information from our office.
Please reach out if anyone from the Wisconsin Broadband Office can be of assistance or if you would like to request a staff member attend a meeting or make a presentation to your group. Email Us
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PSC is transitioning to using govDelivery for sending general communication such as press releases and program area newsletters. The govDelivery platform is used by thousands of government agencies for sending engaging, secure, and timely messaging. For more information about govDelivery, visit the govDelivery website.
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