Gov. Evers, PSC Announce Federal Internet for All Grant Awards

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), announced the state will soon be receiving federal grants for statewide internet. The federal grants includes more than $5 million for Broadband Equity, Internet Access, Deployment Program and Digital Equity Act planning.

Wisconsin will receive $5,952,197 to plan the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed internet. The investment is part of the Internet for All initiative, under the Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden in 2021.

“The investments I’m proud to announce today represent the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wisconsin and will help us achieve our mission to expand broadband statewide,” said Gov. Evers. “Since becoming governor, we’ve made historic progress to connect more than 387,000 homes and businesses to reliable, high-speed internet. These new investments will help bolster our ongoing work and give local communities the support needed to build critical broadband infrastructure and ensure high-speed internet access for all.” Evers said.

The goal of Digital Equity Act programs is more than providing all communities with internet access. The Digital Equity Act includes the use affordable, reliable high-speed internet to meet their needs and improve their lives. With the planning grant, Wisconsin will create a robust and inclusive five-year statewide digital equity plan.  

“The PSC is thrilled to spearhead the ‘Internet for All’ programs to close Wisconsin’s digital divide,” said PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “These projects continue the governor’s proven track record of improving broadband access by connecting unserved and underserved areas in our state. We look forward to working with state, local, and Tribal leaders, stakeholders, and Wisconsin residents to identify strategic use of these investments.” Valcq said.

For more information about the grant you can look here https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ServiceType/Broadband.aspx.

If you like to read another story, Wisconsin representatives are asking Gov. Evers to ban TikTok on government devices https://www.wdio.com/front-page/midwest/wisconsin-republican-representatives-governor-tony-evers-ban-tik-tok-from-state-devices/.