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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Round 1 Opening: January 13, 2025, 8:00 AM CT
Round 1 Closing: February 25, 2025, 4:59 PM CT
Approved applicants received an invitation to an external closed system.
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| Alternative Technology Opening: February 14, 2025, 8:00 AM CT Alternative Technology Closing: March 11, 2025, 1:30 PM CT
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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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The PSC Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline accepts tips and complaints about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement of PSC-administered federal grants. A professional staff member will review your information and determine the appropriate next steps. To report fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement, please contact the PSC Fraud Hotline at 1-800-225-7729 or 1-608-266-2001 (Local).
Who is Eligible to Apply
To be eligible to participate in the BEAD sub granting process, applicants must have an approved Letter of Intent (LOI).
BEAD Subgranting Application Information
ApplicationResources
Final BEAD Eligible Locations and Final 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
- 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.
Alternative Technology LOI Application Materials
As approved by NTIA, the Commission will require prospective Alternative Technology applicants to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to participate in the BEAD Grant program (PSC Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Grant (wi.gov)). Please note that if you have an approved BEAD Letter of Intent, you do not need to complete this application. Instead, please file a letter of your intent to apply for this alternative technology round and note your proposed technology in the 5-BD-2025 docket.
Priority and Non-Priority Technology LOI Application Materials