Resources for Organizations
The following resources are available to eligible entities, to expand telecommunications access and digital equity.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
In addition to the Digital Equity Planning Grant and Digital Equity Capacity Grant administered by the Commission, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) also included other Federal funding for broadband access, affordability, and adoption administered directly by federal agencies. Visit the Other Broadband Funding Opportunities webpage for the lists of additional programs.
Wisconsin Universal Service Fund Grant Programs
While not part of the Digital Equity Act, the Wisconsin Universal Service Fund (USF) administered by the PSC provides grants to eligible entities to help low-income Wisconsin residents get access to essential and advanced telecommunications services. For more information visit the Universal Service Fund webpage.
Capital Projects Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program
The Capital Projects Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program (CPF DCN) is a federal grant awarded to the PSC from the U.S. Department of Treasury. As part of the Treasury grant, the Commission awarded $33 million to 11 entities to deploy computing devices, install Wi-Fi equipment in targeted apartment buildings, and provide digital navigation services to make use of the devices for work, education, and health monitoring across Wisconsin. For more information, visit the Capital Projects Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program page.
Resources for Consumers
The following resources are available to eligible individuals to help reduce the cost of phone service, internet, and get access to telecommunications assistive technologies.
Lifeline Discount
Funded by the USF, the Lifeline program helps low-income customers to reduce the cost of essential telecommunications service through the eligible providers. For more information visit For Consumers: Lifeline.
The Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP)
Also funded by the USF, the TEPP program helps customers with certain disabilities to pay for the special telecommunications equipment they need to utilize telecommunications services. For more information visit For Consumers: TEPP program.
Internet Discount Finder Tool
Internet service providers offer a variety of discounted internet service options based on customer’s eligibility. The Wisconsin Internet Discount Finder tool can help customers to search for these resources and provide a list of options available at customer’s address. Visit the Internet Discount Finder web page to access the tool.