Overview
The purpose of the Broadband Expansion Grant (BBEG) Program is to encourage the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability in unserved areas of the state. This state program was established in 2014 and follows statutory requirements set forth in
Wis. Stat. § 196.504.
Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear and achievable plan to improve broadband communications services in one or more unserved areas in the state.
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Who is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants include an organization, a telecommunications utility, or a political subdivision of the State (city, village, town, or county) that has established a legal partnership or joint venture arrangement with an otherwise qualified organization or telecommunications utility; and as such meets the eligibility requirements set forth in
Wis. Stat. § 196.504(1).
Currently accepting applications
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Opens: May 19, 2026
Closes: July 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. CST
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Matching funds required
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No, but matching funds of 25% or greater is a priority factor.
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Docket Number |
5-BF-2026
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Questions related to application process | PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov
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PSC Grants System
Grant applicants and recipients are required to use the PSC Grants System to apply for a grant, and for FY23 and later grants, submit reimbursement requests. The Grants System User’s Guide provides general user information. For more detailed instructions on using the grant system for a grant, see the grant specific webpage.
Getting Started in the PSC Grants System
Application Materials and Resources
General
Application Instructions
Eligibility Maps
Webinars
- State Broadband Expansion Grant 2026 Webinar – Scheduled for June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST.
This webinar will cover the FY2026 State Broadband Expansion Grant application information and processes.
Webinar Recording - Will be posted within a week following the event.
Webinar Slides - Will be posted within a week following the event.
Grant Agreements (GA)
Resources for Current State Broadband Grant Recipients
Webinars
Reporting
Other
Awarded Broadband Grants
State Funded
2026
(Awards Forthcoming)
| TBD
| TBD
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5-BF-2026
| TBD
| TBD
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2023
| 24 | $16,601,085
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5-BF-2023
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2023 Award
| 2023 Map
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2022
| 71 | $124,967,3921
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5-BF-2022 | 2022 Awards
| 2022 Map
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2021
| 58
| $28,431,7382
| 5-BF-2021
| 2021 Awards
| 2021 Map
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2020
| 72
| $23,995,003
| 5-BF-2020
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2020 Awards
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2020 Map
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2019
| 37
| $7,053,577
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5-BF-2019
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2019 Awards
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2014-2019 Map
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2018: Round 2
| 46
| $7,688,982
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5-BF-2018
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2018: Round 2 Awards
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2018: Round 1
| 13
| $1,500,000
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2018: Round 1 Awards
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2017
| 17
| $1,500,000
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5-BF-2017
| 2017 Awards
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2016
| 11
| $1,500,000
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5-BF-100
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2016 Awards
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2015
| 7
| $452,579
| 5-GT-100
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2015 Awards
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2014
| 7
| $500,000
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5-GF-237
| 2014 Awards
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1Amended awards bring total to $124,633,271.00.
2Amended awards bring total to $28,092,795.98.