Wisconsin’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program have been approved, allowing the state to move forward with deploying $1 billion for broadband expansion in the state.
Once deployment goals for high speed internet access are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.
Wisconsin’s 5-year plan includes $391 million in spending for a variety of programs that address connectivity infrastructure, access and affordability. The spending includes $178.7 million for the Rural Development Opportunity Fund, $141 million for the Affordable Connectivity Program (which has 387,000 enrollees), $36.5 million for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and $28 million for the ReConnect Loan Program.
Funding sources include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has offered a variety of workshops and outreach efforts to prepare communities for BEAD fund deployment.
