The Broadband Expansion Grant program provides reimbursement for equipment and construction expenses incurred to extend or improve broadband telecommunications service in underserved areas of the state. The objectives of this program are to:
State grant funds are limited to construction projects proposing to build broadband facilities in unserved and underserved areas of the state. The grant program defines the following two terms:
More information can be viewed at the Wisconsin Broadband Map at: https://maps.psc.wi.gov/apps/WisconsinBroadbandMap/.
In 2021, over $99.9 million was awarded for 83 broadband expansion projects. Awardees can be found at: https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/broadband/RptGrantSummary_BBEG.2021.pdf
In 2022, $125 million was awarded to 71 projects. A list of awards is available here: https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/broadband/RptGrantSummarybyRound-BBEG2022.pdf
In 2023, $16 million was awarded to 24 projects. Awardees can be found at https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/broadband/FY2023StateBroadbandExpansionGrantsAwardSummaryTable.pdf
Applications with the following features will be prioritized:
Eligible applicants are WI organizations operated for profit or not for profit, including a cooperative; Telecommunications utilities; and Cities, villages, towns, or counties that have established a legal partnership or joint venture arrangement with an otherwise qualified organization or telecommunications utility.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reference the WI Broadband Map at http://www.broadbandmap.wisconsin.gov/ for more information.
Applications are to be submitted by February 22, 2023. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
At least $14.1 million will be available for state broadband grants in this grant round. Award amounts vary. Project periods will extend up to 24-months. No matching funds are required but it is a priority factor.