Draft Digital Equity Plan Out for Comment
Following months of public outreach and stakeholder engagement, the Commission released a draft Wisconsin Digital Equity Plan for public comment. Once approved by the Commission, the Digital Equity Plan will guide the state’s strategy to improve digital equity, ensuring all in Wisconsin have the skills, devices, and broadband service necessary to fully participate in society and the economy.
Wisconsin’s Digital Equity Plan is one of three components of the Digital Equity Act. Passed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act is intended to promote digital equity and inclusion. After the public comment period, the Commission will review the public comments and finalize the plan during an open meeting for submission to the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA).
Once approved, Wisconsin will be eligible for State Capacity Grant Program funding to implement the plan.
View Draft Digital Equity Plan
Public comments will be accepted until October 19, 2023 at 1:30 PM. To submit a public comment under Docket 5-BP-2023, please visit the PSC’s
Electronic Records Filing System.
Overview
Availability of broadband infrastructure alone is not enough to solve the digital divide for all Wisconsin residents. Targeted strategies for internet adoption, device access, digital literacy and affordable service are critical to make broadband and technology available for all.
The Wisconsin Broadband Office works to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the underrepresented, have access to broadband technology. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning and access to essential services.
Digital Equity Work
The Wisconsin Broadband Office engages in number of activities to support digital inclusion in Wisconsin:
Internet Discount Finder
Internet service providers offer a variety of discounted internet service options based on your eligibility. The Wisconsin Internet Discount Finder can search these resources and provide a list of options available to you.
Digital Equity Act
The federal Digital Equity Act program will support the closure of the digital divide and promote equity and digital inclusion, so that “individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States. For more information visit the
Internet for All page.
Get Updates
For regular email updates on the Commission’s broadband and digital equity work, please send an email to
PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov and ask to be added to our distribution list.