Following approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in December 2025, Wisconsin received approval of the BEAD Final Proposal from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on Monday February 9, 2026. With this approval Wisconsin can execute grant agreements for the 126 projects approved in our BEAD Final Proposal. The WBO will be working with BEAD awardees to completing grant agreements in the coming weeks. Wisconsin's approved final proposal includes $696.5 million in funding for 175,464 locations.
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Universal Service Fund (USF) Grant Opportunities
Telemedicine Equipment Grant
This program provides up to $1,000,000 in 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. Application details are on the Telemedicine Grant web page. Deadline to apply March 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Lifeline Outreach Grant
Up to $250,000 in 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. Application details are on the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program web page. Deadline to apply March 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Office Hours
To support interested applicants and answer any questions on the two open USF grant programs, the PSC is pleased to host a virtual Office Hours on Monday February 23rd, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST. Registration in advance is required. After registering, you will receive an email confirmation with the link for joining.
NTIA Listening Session on BEAD Non-Deployment Funds this Wednesday
NTIA held a listening session to hear from the public on how best to use BEAD non-deployment funds on February 11, 2026. There were over 1,000 participants logged onto the session. NTIA will host an additional listening session for the public to voice their opinions on Wednesday, February 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST. Those interested in joining the session can register here. Written comments may also be submitted by emailing broadbandgrants@ntia.gov.
Speaking opportunities are on a first-come, first-served basis with a 2-minute limit. Questions to consider for remarks include:
- What guidance should NTIA provide to States and Territories in the use of their BEAD Benefit of the Bargain savings?
- Are there potential uses of BEAD funds that could help accelerate the implementation of the remaining BEAD funding?
February Governor's Task Force Meeting
The February meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CST. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting is open to the public and registration is required. Kiersten Frobom from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute will present on Broadband Impact on Telehealth. 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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