Overview
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program with a goal of providing high-speed internet for all Wisconsinites. BEAD will support the deployment of fiber and other qualifying internet technology that provides service of 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) download/upload to all households and businesses in Wisconsin that lack access to 100/20 Mbps.
Wisconsin is allocated $1,055,823,574 through a formula based on the state's proportion of locations lacking access to broadband service, calculated using Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps. For more details on this allocation, please visit the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) press release.
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Currently Accepting Applications for approved applicants
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Opening: January 13, 2025 - February 25, 2025
Approved applicants can find the applications in an external closed system. NOT in the docket.
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Docket Number |
5-BD-2025
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Questions Related to Application Process | PSCBEADGrants@wisconsin.gov
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Who is Eligible to Apply
To be eligible to participate in the BEAD sub granting process, applicants must have an approved LOI.
- List of Approved LOIs (Coming Soon)
BEAD Subgranting Application Information
ApplicationResources
Final BEAD Eligible Locations and Draft Project Units
BEAD Resources and Guidance
The Initial Proposal describes the process by which Wisconsin intends to use BEAD funding to ensure that every resident and business has access to reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband connection. The Public Service Commission submitted the BEAD Initial Proposal to NTIA in two volumes. NTIA approved Volume 2 on July 29th, 2024.
The Commission operated the BEAD Challenge process to determine the locations eligible for BEAD grants. For more information, see the
BEAD Process Page.
For more information on the Wisconsin BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and timeline for BEAD implementation, see the Internet for All webpage.
Federal Guidance Documents and Reference Materials
Other Resources
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University of Wisconsin - Division of Extension
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Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Letter of Intent Materials
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first phase for interested entities in the BEAD subgrantee selection process. The LOI will serve to evaluate an applicant's technical, financial, operation and managerial capacity and will inform the Commission about the capability of prospective participants to comply with the BEAD program requirements and meet necessary standards and qualifications. The LOI is a required pre-qualification for participating in the grant program, which opens after the LOI.
PSC Grants System
To apply for a PSC administered grant, applicants must submit an application using the PSC Grants System.
Use the application material specific to the grant program for details on grant eligibility, instructions on application responses and required documentation when submitting an application in the PSC Grants System.
Getting Started in the PSC Grants System