The PSC has established their Internet & Phone helpline for Wisconsin consumers. Please dial 608-267-3595 to speak with dedicated PSC staff or leave a voicemail.
This mapping tool displays public WiFi locations that have been self-reported by entities and indivuduals to the PSC. The map displays hundreds of locations where citizens can go to use WiFi when it is not available at home while also maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Wisconsin internet customers unable to pay due to circumstances related to Covid-19 (the pandemic, coronavirus or the Public Health Emergency) may request their internet service remain on for the duration of the Keeping Americans Connected pledge, currently through June 30. In order to keep internet service on the customer must call their provider and indicate their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and mention the company’s commitment to the Keeping Americans Connected Pledge.
The Keeping Americans Connected Pledge only relates to internet and telephone service, not video or cable service.
Wisconsin residents with questions or concerns about the pledge or issues remaining connected related to non-payment should call the Commission’s Internet and Phone Helpline 608-267-3595.
Scroll to the Keeping Americans Connected Pledge section of this page for more information.
Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are offering free or low-cost internet access options in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. These services are offered in the areas each ISP serves, or as otherwise described.
This listing will be updated as more information becomes available. This list is not guaranteed to be complete, or an endorsement for the companies listed. The PSC is not liable for inaccuracies. If you are aware of any additional programs, please
contact the PSC.
The maps below highlight the approximate coverage of each ISP listed in red.
24/7 Telcom & West Wisconsin Telcom Coop.
24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom will offer free broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12, college students or anyone who needs a broadband connection to work remotely. Must be a new Broadband customer to qualify and where 24-7 & West Wisconsin broadband is available.
24/7 & West Wisconsin Website Program Webpage
To enroll, call (715) 231-2000 or (888) 247-2035.
AirFiber
AirFiber is not doing any disconnections of business or residential customers for 60 days (from March 16th through May 15th), and any late fees have been waived. After May 15th, they will continue to work with customers to try to find ways to assist. Businesses can go on seasonal disconnect if they need to during this time. AirFiber has setup an outdoor public wifi hotspot at the Superior Public Library. They are currently adding more public hotspots and will update when complete.
AirFiber Website Phone: (715) 395-6150
AT&T
Removing data caps associated with their wireless and wired connections, among other programs. Overage and domestic wireless fees dating back to March 13th are being waived. Offering a $10/month Access From AT&T program for qualifying low-income households in addition to other programs. They also "will not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic." This runs through June 30, 2020.
AT&T Website AT&T's COVID-19 Response Page Access from AT&T Program Page
Contact (800) 288-2020 for AT&T broadband, residential wireless, or small business services. Dial 611 from an AT&T device for wireless.
Astrea Connect
Will be offering free high-speed cable internet broadband access for new K-12 & College Student income eligible households or teachers providing online instruction for 60 days.
The sign-up period for this program is limited and begins March 17th and ends on April 10th.
Eligible to households that do not currently have an interent connection. Cell phones excluded.
Astrea Connect Website Introducing the Astrea COVID-19 Connection Assistance Program (Ended April 10th)
Further questions can be directed to (800) 236-8434.
Baldwin LightStream
Will be extending its Tellecommute Package at 25 Mbps to customers that will be working from home or students completing online classes. They understand that there may be instances where customers find themselves facing financial difficulties so they will offer this package at no additional charge for 30 days.
Baldwin LightStream Website Notice Regarding COVID-19
Phone: (877) 684-3346
Bertram Internet
Launching a short-term, low-cost, offer for 60 days for disconnected households with K-12 children, college students, or low-income residents in need of services.
Beginning Monday, March 16th:
Bertram Communications will offer 60-day free access to new households with K-12 and/or College students and location validated through their onboarding program.
They will continue to support a low-cost wireless home internet service to qualifying households as part of their AccessToSchool program with their strategic school district partnerships.
Bertram will not for the next 60 days terminate service for existing customers who, because of the ConV-19 pandemic, are facing challenging economic hardship, contact us requesting assisitance, and show reason for support.
It is their intension to not charge additional late fees to customers as it relates to the effects of the pandemic.
Bertram does not impose data caps nor additional hidden fees.
Bertram Website Bertram Communications Self Install YouTube Videos Phone: (920) 351-1023
BEVCOMM
To support customers working from home, as well as school staff and students taking part in eLearning programs, BEVCOMM is offering:
(1) A $9.95 broadband connection for eligible low-income families working from home and for studetns taking part in eLearning programs. Qualifications include: must be a new customer, qualify for Free School Lunch, or the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program. Some restrictions apply.
(2) BEVCOMM will donate $3,000 to each public school district in its serving area to help support the purchase of WiFi hotspots.
(3) BEVCOMM has joined the FCC in the Keep Americans Connected pledge, which will promote connectivity for residents impacted by disruptions during this coronavirus pandemic.
BEVCOMM Website BEVCOMM's COVID-19 Response
Bug Tussel Wireless
Bug Tussel Wireless Public Response to the Novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19: Bug Tussel Wireless understands the important role played by internet providers in today's society. Given that many schools are switching to online classes we would like to ensure every student has access to a quality internet connection. To facilitate this, we have made our plans as afforable as possible and we have waived all upfront costs.
For all new customers affected by COVID-19, we will be waiving activation fees, as well as offering the following dicounts:
- 8 MB & 12 MB plan for $25/Month for 90 days
- 25 MB plan for $40/Month for 90 days
- All installation fees will be deferred for 90 days
After the 90 day period, pricing will return to normal.
Bug Tussel Website (Special offers end May 26th and will be reevaluated for the 2020-21 school year.)
If you have any qusetions or would like to check availability please contact us at 833-BTUSSEL or (877) 227-0924.
Cellcom
Cellcom will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cellcom will extend payment deadlines until at least June 30, 2020. Cellcom will also waive any late fees that residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. Late fees will be waived until at least June 30, 2020.
To accommodate increased data use, Cellcom has added an additional 5 GB of high-speed data for unlimited data plans (smartphone, tablet, and mobile broadband), an extra 20 GB of high-speed data for 3G RBI plans and doubled data buckets for Advance Pay customers providing between 1-7 additional GB of data for use during the month of April.
Cellcom's Wi-Fi hotposts will remain open for public use.
Cellcom Website Cellcom's COVID-19 Response Phone: (800) 236-0055
CenturyLink
Committed to the FCC's "Keep Americans Connected Pledge" which includes the following actions: Will waive late fees and will not terminate a residential or small business customer's service through mid-May due to financial circumstances associated with COVID-19. Residential customers do not need to contact us
to ensure their service remains active. Small business customers with 50 or
fewer employees should contact us to request relief for late payment charges. Also suspending data usage limits due to COVID-19 for our residential customers during this time period.
CenturyLink Website CenturyLink's Approach to COVID-19
CenturyLink Keep Americans Connected Pledge
Charter Communications
As of Monday, March 16, Spectrum (Charter) is committed to the following:
- Partnering with school districts to make sure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.
- Opening our WiFi hotspots across our footprint for public use.
- Offering Spectrum Internet Assist, our high-speed broadband program to eligible low-income households.
- Offering new free access to internet and WiFi for 60 days for new PreK to 12, college student and educator (PreK-12 teachers and college/university professors) households who don't currently have internet or WiFi and at any service level up to 100 MB.
They won't terminate service for residential or small business customers who face dificult economic circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, they won't charge late fees for those customers facing difficult economic circumstances related to the pandemic. Customers should contact Charter directly about qualifying for payment extensions related to COVID-19.
Charter Website Information on Charter's COVID-19 Service Offerings Spectrum Internet Assist Webpage
Charter's Wi-Fi Hotspots Phone: (855) 243-8892
Cirrinity/Wittenberg Telephone Company
Created free Wi-FI hotspots at their two office locations. These are meant for people to use from their car in the parking lot. Several other sites have been added at other locations in the rural Antigo area.
Waiving non-pay disconnect processes for 60 days (from March 18th) as well as standard late fees. Partnering with local schools to assist students who have indicated they don't have service and provide service through the end of the school year or need for students at no charge where feasible.
Cirrintiy/Wittenberg Telephone Company Website COVID-19 message from CEO
Phone: (715) 253-2111 (Wittenberg) and (715) 623-0558 (Antigo)
Comcast
Internet speeds will increase from 15/2 MB to 25/3 MB (download/upload) for all new and existing customers, and will become the speed of the service going forward.
Increasing access and speeds to their Internet Essentials Program ($10/month broadband). New families will get 60 days of Internet service free. Comcast will also suspend data caps for 60 days (from March 13th) and refrain from disconnecting service or charging late fees for customers who contact the company regarding overdue payments.
Comcast Website Comcast News Announcement
Four Lakes Broadband
Four Lakes Broadband is offering for $25 per month, a 10 MB plan for 90 days for new customers affected by COVID-19 situation. The installation cost will be deferred for 90 days. After 90 days, rates revert to normal.
Four Lakes Broadband has also committed to the FCC pledge to not disconnect any customers during this COVID-19 situation, and waive all late fees.
A free WiFi Hotspot has been placed in the parking lot of the McFarland True Value for public use.
Four Lakes Broadband Website Phone: (608) 616-9950
Grantsburg Telcom
Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Farmers Independent Telephone Company, d/b/a Grantsburg Telcom, pledges for the next 60 days to:
- Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
In addition to the above pledge, Grantsburg Telcom, in partnership with Grantsburg School District, is providing free Internet access for the remainder of the school year to any K-12 household that didn't previously have access to the district's online learning classes.
Grantsburg Telcom Website Statement on COVID-19 and Keep Americans Connected Pledge
Phone: (715) 463-5322
Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC)
HBC made the decision to extend their pledge to its customers and small businesses to June 30th. In addition, HBC will extend sign-ups for the HBC Internet Assistance Program through June 30th to support students of low-income families.
This extension includes:
- Free broadband service to low-income households. Eligible households must have school-aged children enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program or the Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP).
- Maintaining free access to Community Wi-Fi hotspots. For a list of locations visit hbci.com
- Temporarily suspending disconnections of service due to failure to pay and waiving late fees for customers.
HBC Website
HBC Temporary Free Internet Assistance Program
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call HBC at (888) 474-9995.
MHTC
For new customers that need to have access for a K-12 student, agree to a six month contract and receive six months at half price.
MHTC Website MHTC Website for Connecting Students Phone: (608) 437-5551
Midco
Midco won't disconnect services to customers financially affected by the Coronavirus pandemic through June 30, 2020. We will lead with compassion and work with those directly impacted.
Midco offers the Federal Lifeline Program.
For a limited time, Midco is offering an Education Assistance Credit for students engaged in remote learning while schools and institutions are temporarily closed. Midco Internet Basics (up to 25 Mbps downloads x 3 Mbps uploads) is available to new customers, but is also available at no cost through June 30, 2020, to qualifying low-income students and families without internet access. (A standard or wireless modem is included.)
At least one student with remote learning needs must reside in the home, and you must live in a Midco-serviceable area.
Midco Website Midco's COVID-19 Response
Mosaic Telecom
Setting up Free WIFI hotspots at their four office locations is Chetek, Barron, Rice Lake and Cameron. Current fiber customers will receive free speed upgrade to 500/500 for the next 60 days.
Internet usage is always unlimited and will not be constrained by data caps.
Mosaic Telecom Website Mosaic COVID-19 Updates Phone: (715) 458-5400
Northwest Communications
Adding free public hot spots in communities they serve, including Amery, Clayton, New Richmond, Somerset, and Turtle Lake. They have also signed the FCC pledge to not disconnect customers for 60 days and waive late fees. They have been in contact with local schools to make a plan for those who do not have internet service. There are no data caps.
Northwest Communication's Website
Updates on Northwest Communication's Facebook Page Phone: (715) 268-7101
Norvado
Norvado will not terminate service to any residential or small business customer because of inability to pay bills and will waive late fees due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus epidemic. This applies to phone and internet products for the months of February-April 2020. In addition to committing to the Service Promise, Norvado is offering three special offers for both existing and new customers.
Free Speed Upgrade – In an effort to help our community overcome the challenges that come with the COVID-19 outbreak, Norvado will upgrade existing customers' Internet speed for free for three months.
Three Months Free Internet – New customers get three months of free Internet service.
Seasonal Customer Fee Waived – Seasonal customers will not be charged the “seasonal upgrade" or “date charge" to reinstate service early.
*Restrictions apply.
Norvado Website Norvado Offer Details Norvado COVID-19 Response Page
NSight Telservices
Nsight Telservices made internet service available to school-age children and college students to allow them to stay connected as people made the transition home for the end of the 2020 school year. For Shawano residents, we partnered with Cellcom, to make fiber-based internet service available to students during this time.
Signed Keep Americans Conneced Pledge - will not terminate service or issue late fees for customers unable to pay due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic until at least May 16. Offering free home internet/WiFi, with 2 options for duration for any family in our serviceable market who do not have home internet today with NSight.
Offer 1: 2 months waived on a month-to-month agreement; month 3 charges begin.
Offer 2: 4 months waived on 1-year agreement; month 5 charges begin.
Both options include the following at nocharge: Monthly Service, WiFi, Gateway Charge, NID Charge, Install Charge
Under both plans, the credit process is still in place. However, should a new customer not pass credit, we will work with them on a case-by-case basis.
NSight Website NSight's COVID-19 Response Phone: (800) 826-5215
Sirentel
Siren Telephone is offering a free short-term connectivity option for our customers or area residents who may need a WiFi connection for schooling or business. We will have free WiFi in front of our office on Main Street in Siren with no password required.
Sirentel Website Phone: (715) 349-2224
Solarus
Complementary speed upgrade for fiber-connected residential and business customers for 60 days (from March 17th).
To ensure connectivity for all residents, we have opened up public WiFi locations in various spots around the community. Any community member, Solarus customer or not, is welcome to log on for free. These locations include: BMX Track, Castle Rock Campground, Nepco Park, Petenwell Campground, Verteran's Park, Washington Field
To connect at these locations, from your device's WiFi settings, choose the Solarus.Guest network. When prompted, choose Join Network. You will not be asked for a password. Usage is unlimited.
Solarus Website Solarus' COVID-19 Response
Sprint/T-Mobile
Sprint is supporting customers by:
- Providing Unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans (through June 30, 2020.)
- Giving 20 GB/mo. of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices (through June 30, 2020.)
- Waiving per-minute toll charges for international long-distance calls from the U.S. to CDC- defined Level 3 countries (through May 31, 2020.)
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Customers who have previously contacted us and obtained relief that is ending can contact us again through June 30th for additional options.
All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans will have unlimited smartphone data for 60 days, Lifeline customers will receive extra free data up to 5 GB over the next 2 months and current customers will receive a mobile hot spot/tethering service for the next 60 days (all offers effective from March 18th). T-Mobile has launched its new T-Mobile Connect program, a prepaid plan offering unlimited talk and text plus 2 GB smartphone data for $15/month + tax. T-Mobile has also announced a program for educators.
Sprint Website Learn how Sprint is Responding to COVID-19
T-Mobile Website T-Mobile Update on COVID-19 Response
T-Mobile Program for Educators T-Mobile Connect Program
TDS
Customers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will remain connected to internet and phone service and late fees will be suspended for at least the next 60 days (from March 17th).
New customers with students or financial need will be eligible for 60 days of free internet access, to help assist with work- or school-at-home scenarios.
TDS Website TDS COVID-19 Response Phone: (866) 278-2472
Tri-County Communication Cooperative (TCC)
TCC is initially offering one month of free Internet service and free installation to teachers and students within their serving area. They will continue to evaluate the length of this offering as districts continue to have staff and students at home through this unprecedented event. They have assured us that they will do what they can to get education related installations done as soon as possible.
TCC Website
If you are interested, please contact TCC at (715) 695-2691.
U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Cellular is also waiving data overage charges until June 30th for all plans.
U.S. Cellular Website U.S. Cellular COVID-19 Response
Verizon
Company will waive overage and late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by global crisis.
To help families during this time of need, today Verizon announced plans for a discount program on Fios broadband plans for qualified new low-income customers and two months waived service charges for current Verizon customers that are part of the
Lifeline discount program (from March 22nd).
Verizon Website Verizon's Response: COVID-19
We're here. And we're ready. - Annoncement from Verizon
Residential & Small Business Announcement from Verizon
Verizon Helps Eliminate Worry for Customers During Time of Great Need
WiConnect Wireless
Offering free installation ($150 dollar discount) for customers with kids without internet.
WiConnect Website
Phone: (608) 524-1579
Additional Internet Resources
CISCO
They are providing free offerings and cloud-based services across Webex, security solutions, and more.
Free Video Conferencing Solutions Free Security Offerings
Program Website
human-I-T
Through human-I-T, access Sprint 4G LTE wireless service with a WIFI hotspot, provided by Mobile Citizen. Speed varies with tower coverage. No data limitations.
human-I-T Website
Program Website
PCs for People
Through PCs for People, access Sprint 4G LTE wireless service with a WIFI hotspot, provided by Mobile Beacon. Speed varies with tower coverage. No data limitations. $15 per month plus initial $80 purchase cost of modem.
PCs for People Website
Program Website
Keep Americans Connected Pledge
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC is encouraging ISPs to partake in a pledge to help ensure Americans do not lose their telephone or broadband connectivity. A list of participating ISPs nationwide can be found through links on the page linked below.
Keep Americans Connected Pledge
The PSC has been informed that all members of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association have committed to the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. More information can be found at this Press Release.
As of April 13th, the following ISPs have signed on to the Keep Americans Connected pledge, according to the FCC's listing.