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The Public Service Commission is currently accepting applications for the 2026 State Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Applications are due by July 27 at 1:30 p.m. CST. Earlier this month, the Commission hosted a webinar to provide more information for applicants. A recording and slides from the webinar are available on the Broadband Expansion Grant Webpage. To assist applicants, the Commission published a map of presumptively eligible locations; a list of eligible broadband serviceable locations and a summary of locations by county and by community. On June 2, 2026, the Commission updated the Grant Application Instructions to include information about how applicants can request the required no-cost license from CostQuest Associates for the broadband fabric. Most recently - on June 24, 2026 - the Commission released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document which clarifies that the performance period for the FY2026 state broadband expansion grant projects will extend until September 30, 2029.
Wisconsin BEAD Updates
BEAD Scope Changes Approved by NTIA
Following NTIA’s approval of Wisconsin’s BEAD Final Proposal in December 2025, a number of awarded projects have been adjusted. NTIA approved these budget and scope changes to Wisconsin BEAD projects on June 15, 2026. Approved changes include removing locations from awards that are reported as served by the FCC and re-awarding locations that were to be served by an award that was cancelled. Complete details and updated data of the BEAD award adjustments are available in the BEAD Awarded Projects Adjustments Letter. The Wisconsin BEAD Awardee Map has been updated to reflect these approved adjustments.
Progress Towards Executing BEAD Grant Agreements
The Commission continues to make significant progress on the execution of BEAD grant agreements. As of June 24, 2026, sixty-six (more than half) of all grant agreements have been executed and 20 of the 28 awardees have executed agreements for all of their projects. The executed agreements total $354 million in BEAD funding or more than half of awarded funds. The remaining agreements are anticipated to be executed over the summer.
July Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access meeting
The July meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 12:45 p.m. –1:45 p.m. CST. The meeting will be virtual. The meeting is open to the public and registration is required. The meeting agenda and a 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.
UW Extension Webinar – State Broadband Expansion Grant: How does it help fill your County’s Gaps in Service?
On Monday June 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST, UW Extension will host a webinar on the State Broadband Expansion Grant program. The webinar will cover eligibility of applicants, identifying eligible projects and gaps in services, keys to forming a good public-private partnership, and tools applicants and communities can use to formalize and document partnerships to increase their application score. More information about the webinar can be found here.
Federal Broadband Updates
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and Native Entities Grant Opportunities
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO documents) for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Round Three, (TBCP 3) and Native Entities Grant Program (NEGP).
TBCP 3 makes $540 million available to Tribal Governments, higher education institutions and organizations for broadband infrastructure deployment; and for broadband affordability and adoption programs.
NEGP makes $250 million available to Tribal Nations or Consortium of Tribal Nations for developing and implementing broadband adoption and digital upskilling activities (such as those that facilitate educational and employment opportunities); subsidies for equipment and services to access broadband; and to construct, expand, or operate new or existing public access computing centers through Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs).
Applications for both programs are due to NTIA by September 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Office of Management and Budget Accepting Comments on Changes to Uniform Guidance
On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to overhaul the set of rules, known as the Uniform Guidance, governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other monetary awards to nonprofits, state and local governments, and other grantees. The impact of the proposed rule on grants and other forms of federal financial assistance could be significant. The proposed rule spans more than 400 pages and can be reviewed here. A summary of the proposed changes and their impact on broadband funding from the Benton institute can be found here.
Public comment period ends July 13, 2026 11:59 p.m. EDT. Find more information and file a comment here. OMB seeks a final rule effective date of October 1, 2026, to be implemented in all new awards and amendments in 2027.
USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Accepting Applications
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites eligible applicants to apply for grant funding from the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program. This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other - and the world. USDA Rural Development is making approximately $27 million available. Applications are due June 30, 2026. More information here.
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