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Funding Quick Reference Guide

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.

Direct to Consumer Internet Discounts

Ongoing

Public Service Commission Internet & Phone Helpline (608)267-3595

Speak to dedicated staff members who will help consumers connect with discount options.

Ongoing

Lifeline

Discounts of $7.25 - $18.50 on essential telecommunications.

Ongoing

Wisconsin Public Service Commission ACP Benefit Page

Getacp.org (pre-enrollment wizard)

ACP Communication Toolkit 

EducationSuperHighway K-12 Adoption Toolkit CEP and FCC/USAC approved letter templates for school leaders

Temporary discounts up to $30/month ($75 on Tribal Land) off of eligible household's internet access bill.

Includes one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

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.

School/District Purchasing

Ongoing -

Statewide Discounted Contracts

Digital Learning Bridge Discounts on Hardware, Software, Internet, & Cybersecurity

Discounts for Schools and Libraries

Ongoing -

ESSER Funds distributed through WISEgrants

Broad use including, purchasing educational technology and training (including hardware, software, Internet & cybersecurity)

Digital Learning Bridge

DPI Page: COVID Response and Relief Planning Recommendations

LEAs need to obligate ESSER III funds by September 30, 2024

Multiple Application Windows

DPI Emergency Connectivity Fund Website & Program Details

 

Funds to be used to support devices and off-campus broadband services

Funds committed in Window 1 & Window 2 have to be used by June 3023 and invoiced by August 29, 2023.

Funds committed in Window 3 have to be used by December 31, 2023 and invoiced by February 29, 2024.

Other Funding Opportunities for Public-Private Partnership Broadband Projects

Fiscal Year 2023 Broadband Expansion Grants

 

Wisconsin Public Service Commission Broadband Expansion Grants

DPI Expanding Broadband Resources

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.

Ongoing -

State Trust Fund Loan Program

BCPL State Trust Fund Loan Program Low interest loans for municipalities and school districts for local infrastructure projects

Rural ReConnect Program

 

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.

For questions about this information, contact Rachel Schemelin (608) 266-5190