Below, you can read about some of the tools and resources available for schools and libraries to help improve broadband access in Wisconsin.
Learning from Digital Opportunity Data
DPI is providing technical assistance for school districts to collect and use their data on broadband speed and availability to better target initiatives that will help the students who need access. This includes, collecting Digital Opportunity Data through the WISEdata application, which feeds into DPI-provided reporting tools such as WISEdash that districts can use to analyze their local data. While this is an optional data collection, DPI encourages districts to collect it and push it to WISEdata to help drive statewide initiatives to improve digital opportunity in Wisconsin.
Public reporting on statewide digital opportunity data is available through the WISEdash Public Portal and through interactive Internet Access and Performance Dashboards.
The Digital Opportunity Tab in the WISEdash Public Portal features statewide metrics about student access to the Internet and learning devices. The digital opportunity metrics are updated nightly and can change based on the data submitted to WISEdata by districts.
On the Internet Access and Performance Dashboards, you can see Internet access and Internet performance data for individual school districts across the state of Wisconsin. Data on these dashboards is periodically updated throughout the school year.
Digital Learning Bridge
CESA Purchasing and DPI have partnered to create the Wisconsin Digital Learning Bridge, a program that allows school districts to purchase discounted hardware, software, and internet access. Visit the CESA Purchasing Digital Learning Bridge page to learn more.
Expanding Broadband
DPI encourages school districts and libraries to collaborate and partner with their local community broadband planning group to share the digital opportunity needs of students and community members. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has posted a list of county Local Broadband Planning Grant Contacts.
Collaborate & Pool Resources
- DPI encourages local governments, school districts, and healthcare to pool their funds to invest in infrastructure.
- Federal and state funding when combined with additional long-term local public funds can help shorten return on investment.
- Public-private partnerships can meet the goals of rural communities for high quality, high speed, affordable broadband.
- Broadband expansion projects should future proof bandwidth capacities to address long-term needs.
- This Funding Quick Reference Guide highlights fund sources that are available now or that will be available soon.
Additional Resources
Internet Service Provider Coverage by Wisconsin School District
Wisconsin School Districts by Legislative District
Please refer to Wisconsin State Statute 66.0422(2) for more information regarding local broadband expansion.