What’s Next in Wisconsin Broadband, October 2024

Greetings from the Extension Broadband Team!

The fall season may be drawing to a close, but BEAD is ramping up as we move to implementation. Letters of intent have been submitted and project units will be released soon, moving Wisconsin one step closer to opening the first round of grant funding.

To stay on top of deadlines we encourage you to sign 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..

Updated BEAD Planning Resources

As you continue your planning, here are some new resources that may be helpful:

New county profiles. The Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) recently updated the County profiles. The 2024 profiles are designed to give community leaders, members of the public, and other stakeholders a quick view of the total number of locations, likely BEAD funding eligible locations, and locations in progress with other funding in a selected county.

Letters of Intent. Letters of intent (LOI) from eligible entities were due October 1. As of the deadline, 35 entities completed letters of intent, which can be accessed via the PSC Electronic Records Filing (ERF) system under docket 5-BD-2025. Please note the list represents LOI submissions, not approvals, unless otherwise noted. As of 10/21/2024 the WBO approved four LOI submissions.

NEW BEAD Frequently Asked Questions Document. The WBO has published BEAD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) version 1. This FAQ will be updated over the coming months as Wisconsin progresses through the BEAD process. Please send any questions about this FAQ document or the BEAD program to
PSCBEADgrants@wi.gov. Version 2 will be released soon.

Project units are still under development, but we hear they are getting close!

Preparing for Engagement and Endorsement

Here are a few guidance resources to help you in your engagement efforts and endorsement process. Some counties have begun their resolution process, while others are gearing up for that. Please feel free to reach out to the Extension Broadband Team or the Wisconsin Broadband Office 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.

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.

Informational Webinar: Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Standard Forms, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 3:00 PM.

Additional Resource: Digital Equity Webinar Series: Digital Equity Solutions for Tribal Nations, Thursday, October 24, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Wisconsin Tribal Nations Broadband Workshop

The intent of the workshop is twofold: provide tribal communities with resources and create a space where tribes share their experiences and goals. To achieve this, we have invited representatives from NTIA, USDA and the PSC to discuss current funding mechanisms. The agenda has been designed to encourage discussion with agencies and among tribal nations to better address tribal broadband concerns.

Who is this for? Workshop registration is open to:

Tribal government and staff representatives working on broadband access and adoption
Tribal broadband committee members
Statewide, national and Tribal-serving agencies and organizations

Date: November 12, 2024, 9am-4pm

Location: Mole Lake Casino Bingo Hall, Crandon, WI

How to register: go.wisc.edu/tribalbroadbandworkshop

This workshop is being offered free of charge, but it is important that participants register so we can provide adequate refreshments and lunch.

Unlock the Power of Digital Inclusion in Your Community!

Extension’s new article, “Why Digital Equity Matters in Your Community,” delves into the essential components of digital equity: access to robust broadband internet, availability of necessary devices, and the digital skills to utilize them. Learn about the current state of digital equity in Wisconsin, the impact of income on internet access, and the vital role of affordability and digital skills. Empower your community with the knowledge and tools to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone can fully participate in our society, democracy, and economy.

Read more: Why Digital Equity Matters in Your Community

Spring Workshop Resources

Did you attend one of our Spring Workshops? You can find the resources from the workshops at our workshops and webinars page. We keep adding more, so come back or let us know if there is something you are looking for from the workshops that you don’t see in the resources.

Looking for a different resource? Check out the broadband toolkit at go.wisc.edu/BroadbandToolkit

If you’re looking for something that isn’t included in either of those places, contact us!

Funding Opportunities that Promote ‘Internet for All’

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
Native Entities Capacity & Planning Grant Program – fund initiatives that help Native communities to fully access and take advantage of the digital world.	February 7, 2025

Have a question? Reach out to Extension’s Broadband Team!