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 |
Wisconsin Public Service Commission ACP Benefit Page Getacp.org (pre-enrollment wizard) 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. |
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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 |
LEAs need to obligate ESSER III funds by September 30, 2024 |
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Multiple Application Windows |
DPI Emergency Connectivity Fund Website & Program Details
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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 | ||
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Fiscal Year 2023 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.