Wisconsin Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $1 Billion

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Wisconsin’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.  

This approval enables Wisconsin to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.  

“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Wisconsin and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in Wisconsin. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the state is connected.”

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Wisconsin was allocated over $1 billion to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.  

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

“Today, Wisconsin can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Wisconsin Broadband Office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”

"In the 21st century, high-speed Internet is a necessity, not a luxury, and closing the digital divide in our state has been one of my top priorities as governor. With the help of the Biden-Harris Administration, I'm proud we've worked to ensure more than 410,000 homes and businesses across Wisconsin will have new or improved high-speed Internet," said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. "Even with all of the progress we've made, we still have a long way to go to ensure Wisconsin has the 21st-century infrastructure we need to meet the demands of the 21st century. This support from our federal partners and the Biden-Harris Administration is critical to continuing these efforts and ensuring Wisconsinites can access the reliable service they need and deserve.”

“Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing in more than roads and bridges. We’re also making a major investment in Wisconsin’s broadband, bringing affordable, high-speed Internet to every corner of our state and creating good-paying jobs in the process,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today is a major step forward toward ensuring all Wisconsinites can work, learn, and connect from where they live.”

“Now that NTIA has approved our Initial Proposal for the BEAD Program, we are excited to begin the implementation phase of this vital initiative,” said Public Service Commission Chairperson Summer Strand. “We are prepared and well-positioned for these next steps thanks to the leadership of Governor Tony Evers and the hard work and dedication of the Wisconsin Broadband Office team. We look forward to continuing our work with NTIA and other stakeholders to administer these historic investments responsibly and transparently, bringing us one step closer to Internet for All in Wisconsin.”

BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.  

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal.

NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.

One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.

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Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.

About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration    

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.