Greetings from the Extension Broadband Team!
While many programs are experiencing a shutdown, BEAD continues to move forward. The state is working diligently to ensure as many resources as possible flow to Wisconsin. Now is not the time for communities to become complacent. Stay abreast of what is happening by checking out the tools and resources below.
We encourage you to continue your conversations with ISPs to address your local needs, and don’t forget to register for the November 18 Webinar for BEAD updates and next steps. As always please feel free to reach out to the Extension Broadband Team for assistance.
And, if you haven’t already, you may be interested in signing up for the Wisconsin Broadband Office newsletter and the Extension Community Economic Development newsletter.
Lastly, please share this resource with your county or community’s broadband stakeholders.
Table of Contents
New Tools
- Preliminary Wisconsin BEAD Awardees Map
Events
- Webinar- BEAD 2025: What Changed, What’s Next, and What Communities Can Do / November 18th
Wisconsin Broadband Office & National Telecommunications and Information Administration Updates
- NTIA: Updated BEAD FAQ published September 3, 2025
- PSC: Follow 5-BD-2025 for the latest BEAD information
Funding Opportunities
New Tools
Preliminary Wisconsin BEAD Awardees Map– The Wisconsin Broadband Office has updated their map of preliminary BEAD Awards due to some public updates on October 16, 2025. Please take a look to make sure you have the updated information.
Events
Join Us for BEAD 2025: What Changed, What’s Next, and What Communities Can Do
Date: Tuesday, November 18th
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Register for the Zoom link access
What We’ll Cover:
- Key updates from Wisconsin’s BEAD program and the BOB round
- How state and federal timelines are evolving
- What recent allocations mean for local areas and broadband expansion efforts
- Opportunities for communities to strengthen and enhance broadband outcomes beyond BEAD funding
More information about the webinar.
Who Should Watch:
This webinar is designed for community leaders and broadband providers seeking to expand broadband access in their communities.
Wisconsin Broadband Office & National Telecommunications and Information Administration Update
NTIA: Updated BEAD FAQ published September 3, 2025
The NTIA released version 15 of the BEAD FAQ on September 3, 2025. The latest update to the FAQ builds upon the previous versions by offering additional clarifying questions and answers and detailed guidance on administrative and operational matters.
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).
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 |
| 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!
Incentivizing Broadband Projects: Board of Commissioners of Public Lands
What's Next in Wisconsin Broadband, August 2024
Spring 2024 Broadband Workshops: Agenda and Resources
Broadband Expansion in Wisconsin: Case Studies - Page 3
