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The application submission period for State Broadband Expansion Grants
closed on July 27, 2026. The Commission received 93 applications requesting $160.2 million in funding for broadband expansion projects. A summary of all the applications is linked below.
In accordance with state statute and as detailed in the amended Grant Instructions the Commission has published a challenge map that depicts each application’s proposed geographic broadband service area and proposed broadband service speeds. An Internet Service Provider in or proximate to a proposed project area will have 30 days to submit a challenge to an application.
Challenge submissions are due by September 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Challenge Period Webinar and Office Hours
On Monday August 17, 2026 the WBO will host a webinar from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. CT on the State Broadband Expansion Grant Challenge Process. The webinar will cover which entities are eligible to submit a challenge and the required documentation needed to challenge an application. Pre-registration is required to attend.
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 August 12, 2026, 110 BEAD grant agreements have been executed and 27 of the 28 awardees have executed agreements for their projects. Executed agreements total over $695,372,722 in BEAD funding and represents 99% of the awarded funding.
Federal Broadband Updates
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and Native Entities Grant Opportunity Deadline Extended
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a notice to extend the deadline for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Round 3 and the Native Entities Grant Program to November 17, 2026. In addition, NTIA has released new application guidance for Use and Adoption - Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program 3 and Native Entities Grant Program and Infrastructure Deployment - Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program 3. The grants make a combined $790 million in funding available for broadband infrastructure deployment, affordability and adoption programs, digital adoption and upskilling activities, and subsidies for services and equipment to access broadband. For more information on these grants visit the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Round 3 and Native Entities Grant Program webpages.
National Telecommunication and Information Administration Releases New BEAD Frequently Asked Questions and Responses Resource
On August 3, 2026, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released version 23 of the BEAD Frequently Asked Questions resource. The updated resource includes revised guidance for states related to removing locations from BEAD projects.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Initiates Comprehensive Review of Universal Service Fund Administration
On August 6, 2026 the FCC adopted a proposal to strengthen their management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and their oversight of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The adopted proceeding launches a comprehensive review to ensure that USF funds are used for their intended purpose and the administration of those funds is efficient, fair, and cost-effective. More USF review information available on the FCC website and in FCC docket FCC-26-52
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