The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has opened Round 2 of the sub-granting process The BEAD program allocates over $1 billion in funding to build broadband infrastructure.
In January, the Commission began accepting applications for Round 1. The Commission received 425 applications, requesting $2.98 billion in funding during Round 1. See the letter summarizing Round 1 applications. Commission staff completed the review process and provided applicants with their respective preliminary Round 1 results. See the letter summarizing the review.
The Commission will begin accepting BEAD Grant Round 2 submissions on May 8, 2025 which include optional revisions to applications in no decisive winner status and new applications for certain project units. BEAD Grant Round 2 closes on Thursday May 29, 2025, at 4:59 pm CT. Entities approved through the Letter of Intent process are eligible to apply.
Of the initial 4,370 BEAD project units 1,376 project units are available for new applications in Round 2 or to be added to certain existing applications. A letter detailing Round 2 is available here and an Excel file listing the project units is available here. More information on the BEAD program is available on the BEAD Grant webpage and in docket 5-BD-2025.
NTIA grants 90-day extension for the submission of BEAD Final Proposals
In April, NTIA issued a Notice of Programmatic Waiver. The waiver grants a 90-day extension of the Final Proposal deadline in anticipation of forthcoming and yet to be announced changes to the BEAD program and to give states sufficient time to implement them. Wisconsin's original Final Proposal deadline was July 28, 2025. Read the Notice of Programmatic Waiver for additional information.
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Digital Equity Capacity Grant
Applications Due May 20, 2025 by 1:30 p.m. CT
The Wisconsin Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program provides grant funding to eligible entities to support the implementation of the Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan. Funding for this program is provided through the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program established as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In this round, the Commission may award a total of $9.5 million in grants for a three year performance period under the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Digital Navigator Grants and Digital Opportunity Coalition Grants. Applications are due by 1:30 p.m. CT on May 20, 2025. See the grant webpage or application instructions for additional information.
Commission Awards Nonprofit Access Grants
The Public Service Commission reviewed applications for the 2025 USF Nonprofit Access Grant Program, at their open meeting on May 1, 2025, and decided which applications to fund. Awarded projects will facilitate affordable access to essential telecommunications services for low-income households and people with disabilities. A total of $500,000 in grant funds was available. The Commission awarded the full amount of grant funds to 14 applicants out of the 19 received.
Digital Opportunity Conference Recording and Slides Available
On April 24, 2025, the PSC hosted a virtual Digital Opportunity Mini-Conference to kick off implementation of the Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan. The event gathered digital inclusion practitioners from across the state and nation, highlighted the excellent work happening to bridge the digital divide in Wisconsin and explored best practices to continue digital opportunity efforts. Discussion panel experts also shared tips and guidance in the areas grant writing, digital navigators, and coalition building. You can download the presentation slides, and view recordings of the full event and each panel session through the links below.
Event Recording: Digital Opportunity Mini Conference - YouTube
Event Slides: Mini-Conference Slides
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Future-Proofing Rural Jobs: Broadband and Regional Collaboration Webinar
On Thursday May 29, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. CT the Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity will host the following webinar: Future-Proofing Rural Jobs: Broadband and Regional Collaboration. Discover how broadband expansion can transform rural workforce development and regional economic growth. Featuring experts in regional planning and workforce development, this webinar will provide valuable insights and introduce new initiatives.
Governor's Broadband Task Force May Meeting
The May meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting agenda will be posted to the Commission Calendar at least 24 hours in advance and will include information on how members of the public can watch and listen online. Public comments are invited at the beginning of the meeting. |
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