Wisconsin PSC approves final BEAD proposal, directs staff to submit to NTIA amid federal rule changes

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Sept. 3 approved the state’s final proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and directed staff to finalize and submit the application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including making modifications necessary to gain NTIA approval. Chairperson Strand said the submission must be completed to preserve the state’s opportunity for BEAD funding.

Why it matters: The commission’s action preserves Wisconsin’s chance to receive federal BEAD funds but follows NTIA policy changes issued June 6 that commissioners said substantially altered the program’s priorities and narrowed local control and affordability protections that the state previously emphasized.

The commission approved docket 5 BD 20 25 and authorized staff to finish and file the final BEAD proposal with NTIA, giving staff flexibility to make changes NTIA requires. "We don't have a choice in the matter, and this is the best possible way to move forward," Chairperson Strand said, summarizing the commission’s position that compliance with NTIA guidance was necessary to retain federal funding.

In remarks to the commission,…