Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access January Meeting
The January meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CT. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting agenda will be posted on the PSC Events Calendar at least 24 hours before the meeting and will include information on how members of the public can watch and listen to the meeting. Public comments are invited at the beginning of the meeting.
See the Task Force's 2024 Broadband Access Report.
|
Do you have BEAD National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Questions?
The Wisconsin Broadband Office will be posting a "NEPA for BEAD Webinar" in February. The webinar will include presentations from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office. Topics will include the NEPA review process for BEAD, possible state-level permit procedures, and answering frequently asked NEPA questions. If you would like to submit a question in advance of the webinar, please e-mail the Commission NEPA Specialist Sam Hermanstorfer: Samuel.hermanstorfer1@wisconsin.gov. by January 27, 2025.
As part of BEAD-funded projects, all subgrantees must maintain NEPA compliance. The NEPA Review begins after the BEAD application process but applicants are encouraged to plan for the NEPA process early.
Federal Broadband and Digital Equity Updates
Final BEAD Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice Released
On January 2, NTIA released the final BEAD Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice. This guidance details the steps Wisconsin must follow when deciding whether to award BEAD funds for an Alternative Technology broadband project. Alternative Technology includes but is not limited to unlicensed fixed wireless and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service. The full notice is available online.
NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Recommends Oneida Nation for Award
In December, the Department of Commerce recommended that Oneida Nation receive $6,641,618 from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to deploy fiber to 560 households across and near the Oneida Nation. The full press release is available online.
USDA ReConnect grant and loan awarded to Bloomer Telephone Company
In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a $4,614,709 grant and $4,614,709 loan to Bloomer Telephone Company. These awards will be used to deploy a fiber network that will benefit 1,278 people, 32 businesses, and 73 farms in Chippewa and Dunn counites. The full press release is available online.
USDA Community Connect grant awarded to CTC Telecom / Chibardun Coop
In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a $4,342,937 grant to CTC telecom to deploy fiber in Barron County and a $4,346,908 grant to Chibardun Telephone Cooperative Inc. to deploy fiber in Burnett and Washburn counties. The full press release is available online.
Digital Equity Capacity Grant Native Entities Application Closes February 7, 2025
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. The application window for Native Entities, including federally recognized Tribes closes on February 7, 2025. More information is available on NTIA's grant program page.
FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Releases Report on Equitable Broadband Access in MDUs
The Federal Communications Commission's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) provides aid to the Commission on telecommunication issues affecting state, local and Tribal governments. In January the IAC released advisory recommendations on Equitable Broadband Access in Multi-Tenant Environments and Multi-Dwelling Units. The full report is available online.
|
