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.
IMPORTANT GRANT NEWS
In fiscal year 2006-2007, the Commission awarded grants for both the Nonprofit Access Grant Program and the
Telemedicine Grant Program.
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.
The Commission will determine if sufficient funding is available for awarding Nonprofit Access
grants in FY2009 in late 2008.
Also in March 2008, the Commission announced the availability of the application package for
the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program for FY2008 and FY2009. Due to budget
uncertainties, the Commission decided to solicit grant applications for both the current fiscal
year and next fiscal year. Available grant dollars to award for the combined years are
likely to range between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Grant applications are due April 25, 2008.
See USF programs below for details.
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