Volume 68 - January 2026

Three Universal Service Fund Grants are Open

The Public Service Commission is accepting applications for three USF grant programs designed to improve telecommunications access and affordability in Wisconsin. These grants are funded by the Wisconsin Universal Service Fund. All grant applications must be submitted through the PSC's Grants System.

Read Governor Evers' Announcement

Read PSC Announcement 

Nonprofit Access Grant

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply and propose projects aiming to improve the availability and affordability of telecommunications services in Wisconsin. Up to $500,000 in funding is available. Application details are on the Nonprofit Access Grant Program webpage. Deadline to apply February 2, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Telemedicine Equipment Grant

This program provides funding to nonprofit medical clinics, nonprofit hospitals and public health agencies for specialized medical telecommunications equipment that will enhance access to medical care in rural or underserved areas, for underserved populations, and for individuals with disabilities.  Up to $1,000,000 in funding is available. Application details are on the Telemedicine Grant web page. Deadline to apply March 11, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Lifeline Outreach Grant

Funding is available for nonprofits, community agencies, higher education institutions, local and Tribal governments, and other eligible entities to increase participation in the Lifeline Program, which offers discounted phone and internet services for low-income households. Up to $250,000 in funding is available. Application details are on the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program web page. Deadline to apply March 4, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

WBO Work Included in Governor Evers 2025 Accomplishments

The Wisconsin Broadband Office was recognized in Governor Evers’ 2025 Accomplishments for launching the Wisconsin Broadband Almanac, contributing to the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access report, and completing Wisconsin BEAD Final Proposal.  The Wisconsin Broadband Almanac provides statewide and community-level data on broadband access, affordability, and adoption. The latest update features a streamlined interface, refreshed data, and new sections on broadband construction, internet service provider territories, and guidance on selecting the most appropriate maps for specific information needs. Check out the most up to date version of the Almanac below.

January Governor's Task Force Meeting 

The January meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting is open to the public and registration is required. Pew Charitable Trusts will present on their Demand for Broadband Workforce report. 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. 

New and Updated BEAD Documents From NTIA

On January 6, 2026 the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released version 17 of the BEAD program Frequently Asked Questions and Answers document. This document is a good resource for BEAD subgrantees wanting to understand the federal guidance related to the BEAD program. 

On January 14, 2026 NTIA posted the Updated BEAD Terms and Conditions for BEAD subgrantees. The updated BEAD General Terms and Conditions will be included in all Wisconsin BEAD Grant agreements. 

State BEAD Roundtable 

On Wednesday January 21 at 11:00 a.m. CST Broadband Breakfast will host a  roundtable event. This event will bring together state broadband directors and program leaders to share lessons learned, troubleshoot common challenges, and discuss emerging best practices from the field. The conversation will also address how states are measuring progress, ensuring speedy and thorough deployment, and adapting strategies as ground-level realities meet original plans.

Broadband Prices Analysis 

An analysis, written by John Horrigan, of the Federal Communication Commission's Urban Rate Survey from 2020 to 2025 shows the change in average broadband prices increased. The analysis indicates the proliferation of expensive high speed plans drove the change and that prices for mid-tier and lower-tier plans declined. The average price per month in 2025 for broadband service across all terrestrial technologies was $98.49.

Grant Recipient Corner

Know Your Grant Agreement

Successful grant management requires attention to the details in your grant agreement in particular, managing the project scope and budget. Key to this is tracking and reporting project specific expenses and maintaining exclusive funding provisions. To be reimbursable or qualify as match, all expenses must be directly attributable to the grant project defined in the grant agreement and detailed in the scope of work. Grantees should have proper tracking systems in place to ensure accurate reporting of grant expenses and retain records for periods outlined in the agreement.

The grant agreement defines the approved project scope and budget. Scopes cannot be changed without the Commission’s prior approval; same with budget changes. Refer to the grant agreement for details about when an amendment is required. And remember, only invoices that have been fully paid may be claimed for reimbursement.

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