PSC Webinar: Wisconsin BEAD Update

Join the Wisconsin Broadband Office’s webinar on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. to learn about the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Open to all, including stakeholders, communities, local governments, Tribal Nations, and the public, this session will provide a progress update and outline the next steps in the BEAD timeline.

Don’t miss it – register now!

Endorsement Deadline Approaching

If your county or Tribal leadership has not completed any endorsements for BEAD, NOW is the time! The Wisconsin Broadband Office has announced that the BEAD Round I application period will open January 13 with applications due February 25. It is critical that county and Tribal leadership communicate with the local ISP(s) you are endorsing to find out when they will need your endorsement documentation for their application. Endorsements need to be submitted directly to an ISP, who will include it in their application package.

Here are a few resources to help you in your engagement efforts and endorsement process. Please feel free to reach out to the Extension Broadband Team or the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) if you have questions.

• Engagement and Endorsement scoring criteria and FAQ. The Wisconsin Broadband Office published Engagement and Endorsement scoring criteria complete with Frequently Asked Questions. 
• Endorsement resolution/letter guidance. Extension has published a downloadable resource on writing endorsement resolutions and letters. 
• Letters of Intent. You can check if the ISP you’ve been engaging with has been approved to submit a BEAD application. Interested parties can track approvals.

Mapping Update

The Wisconsin Broadband Office announced that the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the BEAD Challenge Process results, allowing the BEAD application rounds to begin.

It’s important to review your area’s BEAD eligibility. If you haven’t done so, familiarize yourself with your area’s BEAD eligibility and the Project Units that will be used for building the areas served in the applications.

• Wisconsin BEAD Eligibility Map shows the eligible and ineligible areas in general.
• Wisconsin BEAD Project Units Map is marked as Preliminary but will have very minimal updates.
  • Check the WBO’s BEAD information page for its update.

Native Entities Capacity & Planning Grant Program

The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) is inviting Native Entities to apply for the Digital Equity Capacity and Planning Grant Program. Detailed program information and application instructions can be found starting on page 42 of the State Digital Equity Capacity Notice of Funding Opportunity. The application deadline is February 7, 2025.

• Get Ready One-Pager – a short summary of what to do next.
• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Standard Forms
• Digital Equity Webinar: Digital Equity Solutions for Tribal Nations

Digital Navigator Network Launched!

As more Digital Navigators are being hired in Wisconsin, UW-Madison Extension is facilitating a Digital Navigator Network. This statewide initiative includes non-profits, governmental entities, and others engaged in digital skills development across Wisconsin.

These virtual meetings will occur the first Wednesday of each month (except for January) in 2025. The next meeting is Wednesday January 8 at 10 a.m.

To join, please contact either Chris Stark or Jessica Beckendorf

Interested in learning more about digital inclusion? Why Digital Equity Matters in Your Community.

Cyber Fraud and Personal Security Virtual Workshop

On Thursday, December 12, at 1 PM Central Time, the Universities of Wisconsin and Fidelity Investments will host a virtual workshop on Zoom to provide important information on common financial scams and ways you can monitor, protect, and safeguard your data. Register today and take charge of your cybersecurity!