Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

Protect Internet Access: Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program Today

High-speed internet is vital for all of us to live, work, and connect with one another. In recent years, we have come a long way toward improving internet access and affordability in Wisconsin. However, we are poised to take a major step backwards unless Congress acts to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). As of January 2024, over 22 million households in the US are enrolled and receiving the ACP monthly benefit, including more than 420,000 Wisconsin households.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Announces Grant Funding Opportunities to Improve Telecommunications Access and Affordability in Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is encouraging eligible organizations to apply for grant funding to improve the availability of telecommunications services for Wisconsin residents. The grant funding opportunities include the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, and the Telemedicine Grant Program. All three grant programs are funded by the Universal Service Fund to help Wisconsin residents get essential and advanced telecommunications services. 

Wisconsin PSC Opens Broadband Infrastructure Program Grant Round

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced the Broadband Infrastructure Program grant round is now open.

Wisconsin PSC Asks Wisconsin Households to Share Internet Experience to Improve Broadband Access and Affordability

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is calling on Wisconsin households to share their internet experience to help direct recently announced broadband funding.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Awards $16.6 Million in Broadband Expansion Grants for 24 Projects

On May 18, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded funding from the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The Commission awarded $16,601,085 for 24 projects that will expand broadband internet to 6,042 residential and 276 business locations that are underserved. The projects receiving awards will impact 19 counties.

PSC Now Accepting Applications for ‘Internet for All’ Planning Grants

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is now accepting applications for multiple federally funded grant programs to assist in the state’s broadband and digital equity planning efforts. In December 2022, Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) and the PSC announced the state will receive nearly $6 million to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet throughout the state.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Opens Next State Broadband Expansion Grant Round

Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) and Rebecca Cameron Valcq, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), to open the next round of funding opportunities through the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The application period runs from December 7, 2022 and will end on February 22, 2023. The broadband expansion grant program connects people and businesses to broadband and the economic, health, and educational opportunities that high-speed internet access unlocks. State and federal investments directed by Gov.

Wisconsin Increases Funding for State Broadband Expansion Grants to $125 Million

Additional funding will be available for the current round of Wisconsin's State Broadband Expansion Grants. This brings the total available funds to $125 million—$25 million more than what was announced in November 2021. The funding for the grants comes from the 2021-23 Biennial Budget signed by Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) in July, which will be used to expand high-speed broadband internet to unserved or underserved areas of the state. In March, the PSC received 194 applications requesting more than $495 million in grant funding from the state's Broadband Expansion Grant Program.

Wisconsin Announces Increased Funding for State Broadband Expansion Grants to $125 Million

Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq announced that additional funding would be available for the current round of the State Broadband Expansion Grants. This brings the total available funds to $125 million-- $25 million more than what was announced in November 2021. The funding for the grants comes from the 2021-23 Biennial Budget signed by Governor Evers in July 2021, which will be used to expand high-speed broadband internet to unserved or underserved areas of the state.

Wisconsin PSC Awards $500,000 in Nonprofit Access Grants for 16 projects

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin awarded $500,000 in funding from the Nonprofit Access Grant Program. The funds will go to support 16 projects by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that will provide access to affordable telecommunication services to low-income households, people with disabilities, or customers in areas of the state with relatively high costs of services. Applications for this grant cycle were due on March 1, 2022. The PSC received 22 applications requesting more than $1.4 million in funding.

Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access Report

This report details strategies for successfully expanding high-speed internet access to every residence, business, and institution in Wisconsin by 2025, including solutions to make broadband affordable for all communities. Among others, the Task Force report included recommendations to:

Wisconsin Launches Internet and Phone Helpline

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) launched a customer service phone line for people who need help locating phone or internet service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Wisconsin's Emergency Internet Finder

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced a new web tool that can assist users in finding free-to-use public broadband locations in their area. These "Emergency Internet" locations are for when a user's own internet is too slow or not available. While many of the identified location buildings are closed to the public, their Wi-Fi connections remain accessible. Users should stay in their vehicles while accessing the Wi-Fi and only use it long enough to access critical services.