Greetings from the Extension Broadband Team!
The State Broadband Office and Internet Service Providers have been extremely busy preparing for BEAD installation. It is now time for communities to reengage in the broadband expansion process. The state has recently opened the first State Broadband Expansion Grant round since 2024 with 60 million dollars available. This is a great opportunity to review your local situation and tap into those Broadband Partnerships to reach unserved areas. It is also a good time to reach out to BEAD recipients to make sure the permitting procedures are in place to ensure speedy installation. Working together we can close the broadband gap.
Keep up with the latest news by signing up for the Wisconsin Broadband Office newsletter and the Extension Community Economic Development newsletter.
Please share this resource with your county or community’s broadband stakeholders.
Wisconsin Broadband Office & National Telecommunications and Information Administration Update
NTIA: Updated BEAD FAQ published April, 2026
The NTIA released version 20 of the BEAD FAQ in April, 2026. The latest update to the FAQ builds upon the previous versions with revised content related to the 2025 BEAD Restructure Policy Notice, updated timelines, and implementation details.
NTIA: Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP 3) and Native Entities Grant Program (NEGP) Get Ready Primer
The NTIA recently released the TBCP 3 and NEGP Get Ready Primer to help potential applicants prepare to pursue grant funding for the upcoming broadband funding opportunities.
PSC: State Broadband Expansion Grant
The PSC announced the opening of the 2026 State Broadband Expansion Grants. Check this page for updates including the slide deck and recording from the recent June 8th webinar.
ICYMI – Wisconsin Broadband Office Information About BEAD
For the most up-to-date BEAD information, be sure to subscribe to the docket 5-BD-2025 on the PSC’s Electronic Records Filing system (ERF).
Please continue to check the NTIA’s website on BEAD webpage, along with updates from Wisconsin Broadband Office and our Extension Broadband Team as we continue to share updates on BEAD related news.
Events
WEBINAR- 2026 Wisconsin State Broadband Expansion Grant: How Does It Help Fill Your County’s Gap is Service?
Gov. Tony Evers, together with the PSC, recently announced that the latest round of the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program open and currently accepting applications.
Join UW Extension on Monday, June 29th from 2-3pm for a webinar that will help communities prepare and position themselves to use this grant program to close their remaining broadband access gaps in service.
This webinar will cover:
- Who are the eligible applicants and what are eligible projects
- Using the PSC’s updated maps to understand eligibility and identify the gaps in service
- What makes a good public-private partnership for a broadband grant project
- How can applicants and communities formalize and document partnerships to increase their scoring in this grant
Healthcare in the Digital Age: Request a workshop for your community
We have received a number of inquires about bringing our Healthcare in the Digital Age workshop to additional locations around the state. This workshop explores the critical connection between broadband access and improved health outcomes—and how these advancements drive local economic growth. During this day-long workshop participants will:
- Discuss the intersection of connectivity and quality of care, identifying how expanded broadband can transform health services and patient experiences
- Identify opportunities and gaps in connected care, shaping regional priorities for innovation and investment
- Collaborate on practical solutions to address healthcare service gaps and ensure equitable access to care
We have the capacity to bring this to a number of additional communities this fall and early winter / fall of 2027. If you are interested in bringing this to your area, please Visit the workshop’s page for more information and to apply.
The Wisconsin Digital Navigator Network is a statewide community of practitioners who support digital opportunity across the state. Members meet monthly (now the 4th Tuesday at 2:00 PM) and share ready-to-use resources, like digital skills lessons, internet safety content, and program guides that can be adapted for local use. If you work with community members on devices, connectivity, or online skills, reach out to us to get connected with the network!
Funding Opportunities
| Funding Opportunity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Board of Commissioners of Public Lands Loan Program – For public purpose projects including economic development, local infrastructure, capital equipment & vehicles, building repairs/improvements, and refinancing existing liabilities. | Rolling |
| USDA Community Connect Grant – provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist. | June 29, 2026 11:59 AM EST |
| USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant – helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. | June 30th, 2026 11:59 PM EST |
| Wisconsin Broadband Office State Broadband Expansion Grant – encourages the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability in unserved areas of the state. | July 27th, 2026 1:30 PM CST |
| Lifeline program for providers – eligible telecommunications providers will be reimbursed for discounts provided to consumers through this program. | None |
| Lifeline program for consumers – provides low-income WI residents discounts for the cost of phone, cell, and internet services. | None |
Broadband Toolkit
We are always updating our toolkit with new or expanded resources. Save this link and come back often!
go.wisc.edu/broadband toolkit
Have a question? Reach out to Extension’s Broadband Team!
