Broadband Forward!

​Overview

Through its many outreach and plann​​ing efforts throughout
the state, the PSC's Wisconsin Broadband Office encourages broadband development and deployment by certifying local communities as being Broadband Forward!.

Created by 2015 Wisconsin Act 278, Broadband Forward! is a
voluntary program for local units of government (city, village,
town, or county) to signal that the political subdivision has taken
steps to reduce obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment.​

Model Ordinance

The PSC has created a model ordinance that satisfies the minimum requirements under Wis. Stat. § 196.504 to assist communities in this effort. 

• Model Ordinance (P​DF)
• Model Ordinance (Word)
  

Per Wis. Stat. § 196.504(9)(b)​, if a political subdivision seeking Broadband Forward! certification enacts an ordinance that differs from the model ordinance (other than non-substantive stylistic differences), the political subdivision shall provide the Commission with a written statement that describes the ordinance and how the ordinance differs from the model ordinance.

The written statement should be sent via email to PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov​ at the same time the application form below is completed.​

Apply for Certification

If a city, village, town, or county wishes to apply, co​mplete the Broadband Forward! Certification application​. After an internal application review process is complete, PSC staff will reach out with more information on next steps.​

​Contact Information​

​For further information about the application process for Broadband Forward! Certification or for any questions about the Broadband Forward! Community model ordinance, please contact Mark Leonard at mark.leonard@wisconsin.gov ​or (608) 261-8528.​

​Broadband Forward! Certified Communities​

The following communities (in alphabetical order) have received Broadband Forward! Certification.​ Certified communities may also be viewed on the Broadband Forw​ard! map​.