Volume 66 - October 2025

BEAD Preliminary Award Map Available

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). 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. 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 would provide funding to serve all BEAD-eligible locations throughout the state using a mix of fiber, fixed wireless and low Earth Orbit Satellite technologies. As the Wisconsin Broadband Office continues the curing and review process with NTIA, additional changes continue to be made. The Wisconsin Broadband Office has updated the BEAD Preliminary Awardees Map effective October 16, 2025. The map is available on the Commission website using the link below.

New and Updated Federal BEAD Resources

Performance Measures

On September 19, 2025, NTIA released the Performance Measures for BEAD Last Mile Networks Policy Notice and Primer. These documents provide guidance to support Wisconsin and subgrantees in measuring the performance related to speed, latency, and reliability of BEAD funded networks once operational. 

Performance Measures Policy Notice | Primer

Obligations for Deploying Network Projects 

The Obligations for Deploying Network Projects guide is structured to serve as a resource for subgrantees and interested stakeholders in navigating the requirements of the BEAD Program, including requirements related to network capabilities, deployment requirements, and service obligations. 

Obligations for Subgrantees Deploying Network Projects 

BEAD Frequently Asked Questions  

In September NTIA released Version 15 of their Frequently Asked Questions and Answers document. This document provides a comprehensive list of questions about the BEAD program and responses from NTIA. The resource includes information about the Restructuring Policy Notice. 

BEAD Frequently Asked Questions Version 15

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Governor Evers declared October Cybersecurity Awareness M​onth in Wisconsin. There are simple ways that Wisconsin residents and businesses can protect themselves from common risks that come with using the internet and modern technology. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recommends four actions to improve our personal and organizational cybersecurity: Use strong passwords and create a different password for each account. Turn on multi-factor authentication to strengthen account security. Recognize and report phishing to avoid compromising personal information. Update software regularly to get the latest security patches. Cybersecurity support and education are critical parts of digital literacy and making sure all Wisconsin residents can connect to the internet and feel safe operating virtually. Cybersecurity awareness month is a great time to promote these simple actions we can all take to stay safe online.

UW Extension Webinar - BEAD 2025: What Changed, What's Next, and What Communities Can Do

On November 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT, UW Extension will host the webinar "BEAD 2025: What Changed, What's Next and What Communities Can Do." Due to changes in federal guidance, Wisconsin’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program was required to restructure  its sub-granting process. This UW Extension webinar will highlight key changes in the BEAD program and what they mean for local broadband expansion. This webinar is designed for community leaders and broadband providers seeking to expand broadband access in their communities.

November Governor's Task Force Meeting 

The November meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 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. 

Achieving Affordability: State Strategies for Getting Everyone Online

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society publication, by Jordan Arnold summarizes the strategies and approaches state governments are enacting to ensure every household can afford to get and stay connected. The report examines how states are working to make high-speed internet more affordable for their residents, offering a menu of policy options explored by states around the country.

Connected Nation BEAD Tracker 

The Connected Nation BEAD Tracker compiles and aggregates data directly from published state BEAD final proposals. It is regularly updated with new data as final proposals are publicly posted. Currently, 51 final proposals are included. The Tracker provides easy access to data, maps and a compare tool so the public can visualize states’ draft plans for spending federal funds that were allocated through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. 

Grant Recipient Corner

State Broadband Expansion Grant Project Status Reports: An interim project status report is due no later than October 31^st for all open state-funded grant awards.

• For FY22 Grants: All Project Status Reports, including Interim and Final, must be submitted via the Public Service Commission’s Electronic Record Filing System, ERF. When uploading, use this naming convention in your filename and in ERF’s description field: UID# BBEG FY22 Awardee Name, Project Name. You can find the UID number in the lookup table. 
• For FY23 Grants: All status reports for FY23 grants must be submitted through the PSC’s Grants System.  FY23 Reports uploaded directly to ERF will not be accepted, and you will have to re-file correctly using Grant Management System.

Performance Period Expiration: The performance period for FY22 and FY23 grants is ending November 30, 2025, meaning all construction must be completed by that date. If your project is experiencing delays, or you anticipate issues in completing your project by the end of performance period laid out in your Grant Agreement, please complete an Amendment Request Form prior to the end of the performance period. Please note that an application for extension does NOT guarantee an extension. All requests will be reviewed and a determination will be made.

• For FY22 Grants: please fill out an Amendment Request Form and email it to pscbroadbandgrantreimbursement@wisconsin.gov
• For FY23 Grants: please complete the Amendment Request Form and upload it to PSC’s Grants System. When uploading, attach the completed form under the "Uploads" tab  and select “Grant Amendment Request” as the document type

Wisconsin Broadband Office Newsletter

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