Gov. Evers (D-WI) proposes $750M for broadband expansion amid massive federal investment in high-speed internet

Gov. Tony Evers' (D-WI) proposed budget calls for the state to invest $750 million in broadband expansion over the next decade as Wisconsin could receive more than $1 billion from the federal government. Despite the infusion of federal dollars, the head of the Public Service Commission (PSC) said state funding will still be needed to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet. The money is part of grants available through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's broadband maps has already been challenged by multiple states, including Wisconsin. The PSC challenged 7,000 locations in Wisconsin where the FCC believes designations were missing or incorrect. The FCC accepted almost 3,000 of the state’s challenges, according to Alyssa Kenney, state broadband and digital equity director. In addition, the state submitted 269,000 challenges to providers' service claims. The FCC accepted just 20,000. PSC Chair Rebecca Valcq said that’s why it’s imperative to continue providing state funding for broadband expansion to ensure Wisconsin can fill gaps that may not be addressed by the federal government.