PSC Now Accepting Applications for ‘Internet for All’ Planning Grants

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is now accepting applications for multiple federally funded grant programs to assist in the state’s broadband and digital equity planning efforts. In December 2022, Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) and the PSC announced the state will receive nearly $6 million to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet throughout the state. This investment, awarded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is part of the ‘Internet for All’ initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The ‘Internet for All’ initiative includes the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Program; both programs will help build broadband infrastructure and promote digital equity in the state. Once the planning stage is completed, Wisconsin will begin to implement the statewide plans over the next several years. Wisconsin could expect an allocation of $700 million to $1.1 billion to implement these plans under BEAD. Additional federal funding will help to implement the state’s digital equity plan to ensure all residents have access to a reliable, affordable internet connection. More details, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.