Access and Affordability in Wisconsin
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced today the award of $1,481,167 to help Wisconsin residents access essential telecommunications services. The Commission awarded a total of 24 grants from the 2024 rounds of the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, and the Telemedicine Equipment Grant Program, all of which are funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF was created to promote and assist with the availability and affordability of telecommunications services in Wisconsin.
“The Public Service Commission is committed to ensuring equitable access to essential telecommunications services for Wisconsin residents,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “These grants will help more people obtain the devices and telecommunications services needed to connect with one another and lead healthy, enriching lives.”
The PSC awarded $500,000 from the Nonprofit Access Grant Program to 11 nonprofit organizations to help provide access to telecommunications services for low-income households and persons with a disability. Additional information about the Nonprofit Access Grant Program is available here.
The PSC awarded $239,597 from the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program to fund five projects to increase participation in the Lifeline Program, which provides eligible households discounts on the cost of phone, cell, and internet services. Four non-profit organizations and one county received funding to improve outreach and raise awareness of the Lifeline Program. Additional information about the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program is available here.
The PSC awarded $741,570 from the Telemedicine Grant Program to help 8 non-profit medical clinics purchase medical telecommunications equipment. This grant program is designed to improve access to specialized telecommunications equipment that helps ensure the availability of technologically advanced medical services. This program also enhances access to medical care in rural or underserved areas of the state, to underserved populations, and/or to persons with a disability. Additional information about the Telemedicine Grant Program is available here.
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