State Broadband Expansion Grants
Forecasted
State Broadband Expansion Grants support organizations, utilities, and local partnerships in building broadband infrastructure to expand internet access in unserved Wisconsin communities.
Funder: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application) | July 2027 (Geospatial files)
Funding Amounts: FY2026 round: approximately $60 million anticipated; $57,994,872 awarded across 46 projects; project plans up to 24 months
Summary: Supports construction of broadband infrastructure serving unserved areas of Wisconsin.
Key Information: Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, and counties must apply through a legal partnership or joint venture with a qualified organization or telecommunications utility.
Description
The Broadband Expansion Grant Program is administered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) to encourage advanced telecommunications deployment in unserved areas. Established in 2014 under Wisconsin Statute § 196.504, it supports construction and connection of broadband service through projects with clear, achievable plans to improve access.
The program serves areas lacking available, reliable wired or terrestrial fixed wireless internet at actual speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Priorities include locations with service at or below 25/3 Mbps, fiber deployment, public-private partnerships, affordability, scalability, economic development, and cost efficiency. PSC provides presumptive eligibility maps and location data, but applicants remain responsible for demonstrating that their proposed locations qualify.
