The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is now accepting grant applications for the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program. This program aims to improve internet connectivity in the state by providing access to devices, technology, and digital navigators. Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the U.S. Department of the Treasury awarded Wisconsin $33 million through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to administer this program.
The CPF is designed to address barriers to internet access that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Entities eligible to apply include non-profits, libraries, higher education institutions, internet service providers, and local and Tribal governments. The deadline to apply is June 19, 2024 at 1:30 PM.
“Under Governor Evers’ leadership, the PSC envisions a future where all residents can access and use the internet to live, work, and participate fully in our society,” said Chairperson Summer Strand. “This program will help bridge Wisconsin’s digital divide by improving internet adoption and affordability for households across our state.”
The Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program promotes digital connectivity by deploying devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets for eligible households to access. The program also promotes digital connectivity through the installation of Wi-Fi equipment in eligible multi-dwelling units, which includes apartment buildings, condominiums, and mobile home parks. Both approaches will include the provision of digital navigation services to ensure Wisconsinites can make full use of the internet for work, education, health monitoring, and other essential activities. A digital navigator is a trusted guide who assists others with internet adoption and digital device use.
The Wisconsin Broadband Office will host a webinar to provide detailed information about this grant program on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. The registration link is available here.
Please note that the CPF Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program is a grant program administered by the PSC and does not serve as a replacement for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, helps qualified households afford a broadband plan and is projected to run only through April 2024, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress.
More information on the CPF can be found here.
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