Wisconsin Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is reminding Wisconsin residents that, due to congressional inaction, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is currently winding down, and no further ACP payments will be provided after the month of May. Initial ACP funding made available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has almost run out. Unless Congress provides additional funding for the program, the ACP is set to expire soon. A replacement for the ACP does not currently exist.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) released the draft Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan for public comment. Once approved by the PSC, the Digital Equity Plan will guide the state’s strategy to improve digital equity, ensuring all in Wisconsin have the skills, devices, and broadband service necessary to fully participate in society and the economy. After the public comment period, the PSC will review the public comments and finalize the plan during an open meeting for submission to the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA).

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program will provide funding to the State of Wisconsin to expand high speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. Wisconsin’s vision is that all Wisconsinites will have equitable access to affordable broadband service and the capacity to fully engage in a digital society. High-speed internet will benefit all residents and communities.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded funding from the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The PSC awarded $16,601,085 for 24 projects that will expand broadband internet to 6,042 residential and 276 business locations that are underserved. The projects receiving awards will impact 19 counties. The grant awards will leverage $25,360,858 of matching funds from recipients. The broadband expansion grants invest in infrastructure projects for internet service in areas of the state where people need improved service.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded $139,929.92 in funding from the Universal Service Fund Lifeline Outreach Grant Program to two recipients. The grants were awarded to entities that will assist low-income customers in obtaining affordable access to telecommunications services through the Lifeline program. Project 211 Get Connected was awarded $89,576.92, and the Indianhead Community Action Agency (ICAA) Lifeline Outreach Program was awarded $50,353.00.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) ‘Internet for All’ Initiative, including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Workforce Planning Program and Digital Equity Outreach Program.