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On June 30, the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access submitted to the Governor and Legislature the 2026 Annual Report. The report was presented at the July 15, 2026, Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access meeting with attendance and remarks from Governor Evers on the work of the Task Force since its inception and the report. Significant highlights from the report are that more than half of Wisconsin locations now have access to gigabit service (1000/1000 Mbps) and investments directed by the governor are resulting in more than 410,000 Wisconsin homes and businesses gaining new or improved high-speed internet. The 2026 Annual Task Force Report recommendations focus on five themes:
- Infrastructure and Future Proofing
- Outreach, Partnership and Accountability
- Workforce Development
- Digital Skills and Sustained Affordability
- Emerging Technology Readiness
The accompanying Task Force maps below illustrate the statewide expansion of improved internet service from 2018 to 2025, detailing the geographic impact of broadband infrastructure investments over those past seven-years. Additional details are available in the Governor's press release and the full report.
Broadband Expansion Grant Due Date and Updated FAQ
The State Broadband Expansion Grant Program has up to $60 million available to expand access to high-speed internet in unserved areas of Wisconsin. The grant funding is available to organizations, telecommunications utilities, or a city, village, town, or county partnering with a telecommunications provider. The 2026 grant round application window closes Monday July 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CT and a geospatial file submission is required for each application no later than July 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CT. For further information, refer to the grant instructions and newly updated Broadband Expansion Grant Frequently Asked Questions resource (version 2).
Wisconsin BEAD Updates
Progress Towards Executing BEAD Grant Agreements
The Commission continues to make significant progress on the execution of BEAD grant agreements. As of July 23, 2026, ninety-nine BEAD grant agreements have been executed and 26 of the 28 awardees have executed agreements for their projects. The executed agreements total over $600 million in BEAD funding. Remaining agreements are anticipated to be executed over the summer.
Host an Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age Workshop
Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age is a free workshop that is part of UW Extension's broadband programming efforts designed to help Wisconsin communities and regions maximize the economic development potential of historic broadband infrastructure investments. The workshop will emphasize how regional leaders can strengthen entrepreneurial systems, expand business support networks, and leverage broadband connectivity to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
UW Extension anticipates selecting two host locations across Wisconsin for workshops to be held between November 2026 and May 2027. If your region is interested in hosting, please share your interest by completing this form.
Federal Broadband Grant Opportunities
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Grant Opportunity
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). TBCP 3 makes $540 million in grant funds available to Tribal Governments, higher education institutions and organizations for broadband infrastructure deployment; and for broadband affordability and adoption programs. Applications are due to NTIA by September 17, 2026,11:59 p.m. ET.
Native Entities Grant Opportunity
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO documents) for the Native Entities Grant Opportunity (NEGP). NEGP makes $250 million in grant funds 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 are due to NTIA by September 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
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