The Public Service Commission is responsible for the policies and procedures of the Universal Service Fund.
The Fund was established under the 1993 Wisconsin Act 496 to ensure that all state residents receive essential
telecommunication services and have access to advanced telecommunication capabilities. Universal Service
Fund programs created by the Public Service Commission have been developed to address telecommunication needs
for low-income customers, high rate areas of the state, customers with disabilities, non-profit groups, medical
clinics and public health agencies and for areas of the state needing access to pay telephones.
NONPROFIT ACCESS AND TELEMEDICINE GRANT NEWS
In March 2008, the Commission awarded $450,820 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin
to facilitate affordable access to telecommunication and information services. Due to state budget constraints, the Commission will not award any Nonprofit Access Grants in FY2009. The Commission expects funding to be available for grants for FY2010. More information on FY2010 grant funding will be available this summer.
In June 2008, the Commission awarded grants for the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program for
FY2008 and FY2009. Due to budget uncertainties, the Commission decided to solicit grant
applications for both fiscal years. The Commission awarded $422,427 in grants for FY2008 and $500,000
in grants for FY2009. Grant application packages for FY2010 will likely be available in fall 2009.
See USF programs below for details.
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