State Broadband Expansion Grant Program

The State Broadband Expansion Grant Program is administered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved areas across the state. Established under Wisconsin Statute 196.504, the program is designed to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet service, defined as at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds. The Commission serves as the sole administrator and decision-making authority, overseeing application intake, evaluation, and final award determinations. The program reflects Wisconsin’s broader policy objective to close connectivity gaps in rural and underserved communities and is funded through a combination of state universal service funds and authorized bond proceeds. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that construct and extend broadband service to areas lacking adequate access. Eligible projects must demonstrate that they will serve unserved locations, meaning areas without reliable wired or fixed wireless service meeting the statutory speed thresholds. The program prioritizes projects that address the most underserved populations, particularly those with service levels at or below 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. Applicants are expected to present detailed technical plans, including network design, technology type, and deployment strategies, along with evidence supporting the eligibility of proposed service areas. Funding for the 2026 grant cycle is anticipated to total approximately 60 million dollars. Awards may be issued from either segregated state funds or bond-supported financing, with differing contractual implications. For example, bond-funded projects may require the state to retain a financial interest in the infrastructure. While matching funds are not required, applications that include at least 25 percent matching contributions receive additional merit consideration during evaluation. Allowable expenses include construction, equipment, labor, permitting, and other direct costs associated with broadband deployment, while application preparation costs are explicitly ineligible for reimbursement. Eligibility is limited to organizations, telecommunications utilities, and political subdivisions of the state such as cities, villages, towns, or counties. Political subdivisions must partner with an eligible organization or utility to apply. Applicants must demonstrate both organizational capacity and technical expertise to successfully complete the proposed project. The program also encourages public-private partnerships and evaluates applications based on collaboration, scalability, cost efficiency, and potential economic impact. Additional merit criteria include affordability commitments, such as offering broadband service at or below 75 dollars per month, and providing low-cost options for low-income households. The application process is conducted entirely through the PSC Grants System, an online portal that manages submission, validation, and post-award reporting. Applicants must complete multiple sections, including project details, budget, narrative responses, and required uploads such as a project map and a list of broadband serviceable locations. A separate geospatial data submission is required following the application deadline. The application includes extensive narrative questions covering project justification, service speeds, partnerships, affordability, and community impact. Failure to complete required sections or provide sufficient detail may negatively affect scoring or result in disqualification. Applications for the current cycle open on May 19, 2026, and close on July 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM Central Time. Additional deadlines include a question submission cutoff on July 20, 2026, and a geospatial data submission deadline on July 28, 2026. Following submission, the Commission publishes proposed service areas and initiates a 30-day challenge period during which existing providers may contest eligibility claims. Final award decisions are made by the Commission, which is not bound by staff scoring recommendations. Successful applicants must execute a grant agreement within 30 days of award notification, and projects are expected to be completed within a defined performance period, typically not exceeding 24 months. Evaluation of applications is based on both eligibility and merit criteria. Eligibility requires that applicants meet statutory requirements and propose service to unserved areas. Merit scoring includes factors such as the level of service improvement, matching funds, fiber deployment, affordability, partnerships, geographic challenges, scalability, economic development impact, and cost efficiency. The Commission retains full discretion in awarding grants and may negotiate terms, adjust funding amounts, or reject applications. There is no formal appeal process, although applicants may pursue general administrative remedies under state law if they believe they have been adversely affected.

Focus on demonstrating unserved status with strong data justification prioritize projects with 25 percent matching funds and clear scalability and affordability commitments