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PSC awards Wisconsin Lifeline grants to spread discounts for low-income households; approves alternative that funds more projects
Summary
The Public Service Commission voted May 22, 2025, to approve funding awards for Wisconsin—s Universal Service Lifeline program, endorsing a staff-sponsored alternative that spreads partial awards across more applicants after the commission received nine applications requesting $420,392.64 in total.
The Public Service Commission on May 22, 2025, approved awards from Wisconsin’s Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program and chose a funding alternative that balances merit and broader geographic reach. The commission recorded nine applications for the Lifeline grants — eight under Track 1 and one under Track 2 — with a combined funding request of $420,392.64.
The Lifeline program provides an additional state discount to eligible low-income households on top of the federal Lifeline benefit, delivered through eligible telecommunications carriers operating across the state. The commission said the current funding cycle drew more applications and larger requested funding than prior cycles, which staff attributed to outreach efforts.
Screening and decision
A five-member screening panel (two PSC staff and three USF council members) independently evaluated the applications and recommended funding priorities. Chairperson Strand told commissioners the panel presented two viable award alternatives in the staff memo and said, “Ultimately, I decided alternative 2 was my preferred option because it strikes a balance between awarding funding based on merit while supporting a larger number of projects in more areas across the state.” Commissioners Nieto and Hawkins said they supported alternative 2 as well.
Commission action
The commission adopted a motion to award the USF Lifeline grants consistent with the discussion. The motion passed with all commissioners voting in favor.
What the record shows
- Applications and funding: Nine applications were received (eight Track 1, one Track 2) requesting $420,392.64 in total; the record shows increased participation compared with earlier funding cycles.
- Evaluation: A screening panel of five reviewers (two PSC staff and three USF council members) completed independent evaluations. The panel recommended two alternatives; commissioners selected the second alternative, which made partial awards intended to allow applicants to complete their projects while distributing funds to more areas.
- Next steps: PSC staff will finalize award notices and work with awarded applicants and eligible carriers on implementation and reporting. The commission did not announce specific dollar awards for individual applicants on the public docket during the meeting.
Quotes
Chairperson Strand: “Ultimately, I decided alternative 2 was my preferred option because it strikes a balance between awarding funding based on merit while supporting a larger number of projects in more areas across the state.”
Commissioner Nieto: praised staff outreach and noted the program was highly subscribed compared to available funds.
Ending
The commission’s action authorizes staff to implement the alternative 2 awards and coordinate with applicants and carriers to deliver the Lifeline discounts to eligible low-income households across Wisconsin.
