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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the federal agency responsible for administering the BEAD Program published the Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice on September 3, 2026. The policy notice allows Wisconsin to use a portion of the remaining BEAD funds for additional broadband deployment projects to reach unserved locations. In contrast to the initial BEAD Program, the spending will be limited to unserved homes and businesses - specifically those without access to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload internet service.
The notice provides a specific timeline for supplemental deployment. Upon receiving a
location list from NTIA and after review, Wisconsin has 30 days to conduct an Abbreviated Challenge Process; followed by up to 30 days to adjudicate. After the Challenge Process is complete, NTIA reviews the final location list, allocates the amount of funding available and authorizes Wisconsin to proceed with a second Benefit of the Bargain (BOB2) grant round. Wisconsin will have 90 days to complete the BOB2 round; and then NTIA will have 90 days to review and approve the Supplemental Deployment Plan. Wisconsin has not received its location list as of September 29, 2026.
The Commission will use docket, 5-BD-2025 to communicate about the supplement eligible locations, Abbreviated Challenge Process and BEAD BOB2 application process for new and existing applicants.
Digital Inclusion Week
Digital Inclusion Week is an annual nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness about digital equity and the vital importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world. Coordinated by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, this week-long event showcases collective nationwide efforts to bridge the digital divide and highlights the impactful work being done to ensure everyone has access to technology and the internet. This year, Digital Inclusion Week takes place from October 4 -10, 2026. Wisconsin organizations hosting a Digital Inclusion Week event, can register it here to have it included in the National Event List.
Wisconsin BEAD Updates
As of September 25, 2026, 111 BEAD grant agreements have been executed and 27 of the 28 awardees have executed agreements for their projects. Executed agreements total over $694 million in BEAD funding and represents almost 99% of the awarded funding.
Wisconsin already has sent 3 NEPA decision memos to subrecipients authorizing the BEAD projects to begin construction this fall. Many projects have reached their first milestone and payments to providers have begun.
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Health Care in the Digital Age Workshop
UW Extension is offering interested communities the opportunity to host a FREE Healthcare in the Digital Age workshop for regional participants. The workshop will explore the critical connection between broadband access and its impact on advancing healthcare services and patient experience, and economic growth. The workshop brings together community leaders, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to discuss emerging healthcare trends, regional opportunities, and practical strategies for maximizing the benefits of connectivity in healthcare.
The next scheduled workshop is the Wild Rivers Region Healthcare in the Digital Age on October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.) at the Ho-Chunk Nation District 1 Community Center (N7261 Warrior Avenue, Black River Falls, WI, 54615). 'Wild Rivers Region' refers to areas of the Ho-Chunk Nation and Jackson, Clark Juneau, Monroe, and Trempealeau Counties.
CEUs available for participating, cost is $15. Register for the workshop here.
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Federal Broadband Updates
NTIA is Inviting Public Comment on the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
NTIA released a notice on August 25, 2026, inviting the general public, and other federal agencies to comment on the information collection and application requirements it plans to use for a new round of Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program funding. The public comment period is open until October 26, 2026.
Written comments must be submitted by email to broadbandusa@ntia.gov or by mail. THe subject lines of e-mail comments should include “Competitive Grant Program Application Forms Comment” in the description.
The Digital Equity Act and Competitive Grant Program are a part of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The program was paused in May 2025, but U.S. District Courts ruled that the program can resume in July 2026. More information about NTIA’s request for comments and the mailing address can be found here.
NTIA is Inviting Public Comment on the Internet Use Survey Information Collection
NTIA released a notice inviting public comment on the Internet Use Survey Information Collection. This collection of questions is known as the NTIA Internet Use Survey is also referred to as the CPS Computer and Internet Use Supplement. NTIA has sponsored 18 such surveys since 1994. NTIA is soliciting public comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection; and (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before November 9, 2026
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by email to data@ntia.gov or by mail. Please reference OMB Control Number 0660–0021 in the subject line of your comments. More information about NTIA's request for comments and the mailing address can be found here.
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and Native Entities Grant Opportunity Deadline Extended
The NTIA announced an application deadline extension for both the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Round 3 and the Native Entities Grant Program to November 17, 2026. The programs make a combined $790 million in grant funding available for broadband infrastructure deployment, affordability and adoption programs, digital adoption and upskilling activities, and subsidies for services and equipment to access broadband. 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.
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