MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC or Commission) announced today that it received 74 applications requesting $73.7 million for the state Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The Commission is expected to award up to $14.1 million to help expand high-speed broadband Internet in the state. These are the remaining state funds available for broadband expansion during the 2021-23 biennial budget period.
“State investments are absolutely vital to meet Governor Evers’ goal of getting every home and every business in our state connected to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet,” said PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “The high demand for our State Broadband Expansion Grant funding demonstrates the great need across Wisconsin for improved infrastructure now—including to areas with slow service and difficult, high-cost areas like dense forests, granite bluffs, and cranberry bogs.”
During Gov. Evers’ 2023-25 Biennial Budget Address, he announced a $750 million investment into the Broadband Expansion Grant program, with at least $75 million being awarded every year. This historic proposal builds upon the governor’s previous record-setting investments in expanding broadband across the state.
“Under Governor Evers’ leadership, over 390,000 homes and businesses have or will have new or improved, reliable, high-speed Internet,” concluded Chairperson Valcq. “This means more Wisconsinites can now connect to work, online learning, their doctor’s office, and their loved ones. Our state investments have had a proven impact, and this funding will continue that success. I appreciate Governor Evers’ commitment and continued investment in bridging Wisconsin’s digital divide.”
During the application review, the Commission will evaluate each grant based on, among other factors, matching funds, public-private partnerships, project impact, and economic development. The Commission is expected to announce grant recipients by summer of 2023.
Wisconsin’s Broadband Grant Program has been nationally recognized. In August 2022, the state grant program was named “Best in Class” by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for “clear documentation of their application and award processes.”
A list of 2023 Broadband Expansion Grant Program applicants is available here. A map of proposed project areas will be made available next week.
Click here for more information about the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program, including more information on projects funded in previous grant rounds.
