Gov. Tony Evers and Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Summer Strand announced that the PSC awarded more than $27.8 million in funding from the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program to fund 11 projects throughout Wisconsin that will improve internet connectivity by providing access to devices, technology, and digital navigators.
Through the 11 projects awarded funding under the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program, an estimated 52,409 households will receive a loaned device and 33,682 households will have access to free Wi-Fi.
The Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program promotes digital connectivity by deploying devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets for eligible households to access. The program also promotes digital connectivity through the installation of Wi-Fi equipment in eligible multidwelling units, which includes apartment buildings, condominiums, and mobile home parks. Both approaches will include the provision of digital navigation services to ensure Wisconsinites can make full use of the internet for work, education, health monitoring, and other essential activities.
The CPF Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program is a grant program administered by the PSC and does not serve as a replacement for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, helped qualified households pay for broadband and ended in April 2024.
Additional information about the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program is available here.
A summary of the applications awarded grant funding is available here.
