Internet for All works to assist broadband efforts
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is now accepting applications for multiple federally funded grant programs, to assist in the state’s broadband and digital equity planning efforts. 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 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 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.
As part of Wisconsin’s proposal to receive BEAD implementation funding, the state must prepare a plan to ensure a highly skilled workforce is trained, and available to build and maintain proposed broadband infrastructure investments. It’s designed to engage existing entities to plan workforce development strategies, map assets, conduct diverse stakeholder engagement, and study policy and funding models to develop solutions that will best prepare the state for broadband infrastructure funding, and to ensure all Wisconsinites have a pathway to these career opportunities.
Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available, with applications due March 1. The Digital Equity Outreach Grant will provide funding to trusted partners to collect locally-informed insights into digital equity needs of, and solutions for, the covered populations they serve. Digital Equity Outreach activities may include, but are not limited to, interactive workshops, surveys, townhall discussions, data collection and interviews with covered populations.
The deliverables from successful applicants will inform the statewide digital equity plan. The resulting information and plan will help target the commission’s efforts to ensure Wisconsin’s digital inequities are addressed in future funding allocations. Funding in the amount of $335,000 is available for this grant program, with applications due by March 1.
Applications for the two programs can be found at psc. wi.gov.
“There is no single solution that will bridge Wisconsin’s digital divide,” said PSC chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “Rather, it will rely on partnerships and strategic, inclusive planning – and that’s exactly what these grant opportunities will drive. It is crucial for all stakeholders to be at the table during this planning stage.”
