The chart below is intended to be a quick reference guide of the discounts available to families and funding available to districts, based on the best information we have today.
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Direct to Consumer Internet Discounts |
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Ongoing |
Public Service Commission Internet & Phone Helpline (608)267-3595 |
Speak to dedicated staff members who will help consumers connect with discount options. |
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Ongoing |
Discounts of $7.25 - $18.50 on essential telecommunications. |
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Ongoing |
Affordable Connectivity Program Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://acpbenefit.org/ US Department of Education, Template FRPL Verification Letter |
Temporary discounts up to $30/month ($75 on Tribal Land) off of eligible household's internet access bill.
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| Ongoing |
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) (Assistance for current and/or overdue Internet bills) |
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance. |
| Ongoing | Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (Assistance for overdue Internet bills) | Up to $40,000 per household may be available to help with overdue housing bills. |
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School/District Purchasing |
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Ongoing - Statewide Discounted Contracts |
Digital Learning Bridge Discounts on Hardware, Software, Internet, & Cybersecurity |
Discounts for Schools and Libraries |
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Ongoing - ESSER Funds distributed through WISEgrants |
Broad use including, purchasing educational technology and training (including hardware, software, Internet & cybersecurity) DPI Page: COVID Response and Relief Planning Recommendations US Department of Education, ESSER GEER FAQ (May 2021) |
LEAs need to obligate ESSER I funds by September 30, 2022 LEAs need to obligate ESSER II funds by September 30, 2023 LEAs need to obligate ESSER III funds by September 30, 2024 |
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Eligible Private School Application Window |
Allowable costs include educational technology |
EANS I Deadline April 12, 2021 EANS II Deadline July 15, 2021 |
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Multiple Application Windows |
DPI ECF Website & Program Details Emergency Connectivity Fund (American Rescue Plan 2021) Digital Learning BridgeDiscounts on Hardware and Internet ALA Summary of the FCC's Order on the Emergency Connectivity Fund |
Funds to be used to support devices and off-campus broadband services |
| Other Funding Opportunities for Public-Private Partnership Broadband Projects | ||
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Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Broadband Expansion Grants
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Wisconsin Public Service Commission Broadband Expansion Grants |
Grants for internet service providers to expand service to unserved and underserved areas. Schools can leverage Digital Equity Data and pool resources with local governments, non-profits, and co-operatives to apply. |
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Ongoing - State Trust Fund Loan Program |
BCPL State Trust Fund Loan Program | Low interest loans for municipalities and school districts for local infrastructure projects |
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Rural ReConnect Program
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USDA ReConnect | Grants and loans to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas |
In addition, there are numerous one-time funds available for states and municipalities for addressing broadband needs. Bob Bocher drafted this very helpful high level summary of sections of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act that include funding for broadband.