Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Announces Increased Funding for State Broadband Expansion Grants to $125 Million
Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq announced that additional funding would be available for the current round of the State Broadband Expansion Grants. This brings the total available funds to $125 million-- $25 million more than what was announced in November 2021. The funding for the grants comes from the 2021-23 Biennial Budget signed by Governor Evers in July 2021, which will be used to expand high-speed broadband internet to unserved or underserved areas of the state.
Wisconsin PSC Awards $500,000 in Nonprofit Access Grants for 16 projects
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin awarded $500,000 in funding from the Nonprofit Access Grant Program. The funds will go to support 16 projects by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that will provide access to affordable telecommunication services to low-income households, people with disabilities, or customers in areas of the state with relatively high costs of services. Applications for this grant cycle were due on March 1, 2022. The PSC received 22 applications requesting more than $1.4 million in funding.
Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access Report
This report details strategies for successfully expanding high-speed internet access to every residence, business, and institution in Wisconsin by 2025, including solutions to make broadband affordable for all communities. Among others, the Task Force report included recommendations to:
Wisconsin Launches Internet and Phone Helpline
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) launched a customer service phone line for people who need help locating phone or internet service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Wisconsin's Emergency Internet Finder
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced a new web tool that can assist users in finding free-to-use public broadband locations in their area. These "Emergency Internet" locations are for when a user's own internet is too slow or not available. While many of the identified location buildings are closed to the public, their Wi-Fi connections remain accessible. Users should stay in their vehicles while accessing the Wi-Fi and only use it long enough to access critical services.