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 primarily fiber internet technology that provides service of 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) download/upload to all households and residences in Wisconsin that lack access to 25/3 Mbps service.
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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Who is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants for the BEAD Grant Program include entities operating broadband networks within the State of Wisconsin including public, private, nonprofit, and Tribal entities.
Currently accepting applications
| No
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Matching funds required
| Yes
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Docket Number | To be determined
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Questions related to application process | PSCBEADGrants@wisconsin.gov
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Application Materials
Upon approval from NTIA, the Commission will open the grant allocation process beginning with a Letter of Intent to identify and determine entities eligible for funding.
Subscribe to the
Wisconsin Broadband Office Newsletter to be notified when the Letter of Intent period opens.
BEAD Resources and Guidance
Implementation of the BEAD Program is contingent on approval by the NTIA. 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. When NTIA approves Volume 2, the Public Service Commission will have 365 days to complete the grant subaward process.
Prior to opening the application process, the Commission is operating the BEAD Challenge Process to determine the locations eligible for BEAD Grants. For more information, see the
BEAD Challenge Process webpage.
For more information on the Wisconsin BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and timeline for BEAD implementation, see the
Internet for All webpage.
Commission Implementation Documents
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
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