Gov. Evers, together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), announced another major milestone in the State’s efforts to expand high-speed internet statewide. On Sept. 3, 2025, the PSC submitted the State’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval. The Final Proposal provides the results of Wisconsin’s BEAD sub-granting process, and details preliminary awards intended to expand access to high-speed internet to more than 174,000 homes and businesses across the state.
On June 6, 2025, NTIA published the “BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice,” which required Wisconsin to rescind its earlier preliminary awards and implement significant changes to its BEAD Program under the Trump Administration’s new “Benefit of the Bargain” (BOB) grant round. The program changes further required that applications received in the new round be reviewed and scored primarily based on the proposed cost to serve each eligible location and removed the preference for fiber and other important components such as affordability and local engagement and endorsement. The WBO rapidly updated Wisconsin’s BEAD program to align with the new requirements and guidelines and to meet the new 90 day deadline after the policy notice for submitting the Final Proposal.
In Wisconsin, the newest round of BEAD resulted in 411 applications requesting over $2 billion in funds for internet infrastructure projects. Applications were received from 33 qualifying providers, including private Internet Service Providers, Tribal governments, and local communications cooperatives.
The BEAD Final Proposal, as approved by the Commission, is preliminary and requires NTIA approval before awards can be finalized and construction of high-speed internet infrastructure can begin. Preliminary awards will provide funding to serve all BEAD-eligible locations throughout the state. The breakdown of technologies represented in the preliminary awards is: 74% fiber, 13% fixed wireless, and 13% satellite. Under Wisconsin's initial award, the NTIA required the Commission to rescind, 93% of locations would have had fiber service deployed.
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 Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week
This week, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Federal Communications Commission (NARUC) and state public utility commissions are observing National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week. Since 2008, the week after Labor Day has been designated to highlight the benefits of the Lifeline Program. Lifeline is an affordable, inclusive program for low-income consumers, offering a way to connect with the nation's voice and broadband networks, secure employment opportunities, access essential healthcare services, stay connected with family and seek assistance during emergencies.
Lifeline is both a federal and a Wisconsin state program that provides low-income Wisconsin residents with affordable access to essential telecommunications by discounting the cost of phone, cell, and internet services. Eligible Wisconsin residents can receive a state-funded discount in addition to a federal Lifeline benefit, all through the same national enrollment process. Discount amounts range from $5.25 to $18.50 per month, and up to $44.25 per month for residents residing on Tribal lands. Wisconsinites are eligible for Lifeline if they participate in a qualifying public assistance program or if their income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can check your eligibility online using the National Verifier. Learn more about the Wisconsin Lifeline Program at the link or by calling the Wisconsin Internet and Phone Helpline: (608) 267-3595.
September Governor's Task Force Meeting
The September meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting is open to the public and registration is required. The meeting agenda and link to register for the meeting 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.
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