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Task force breakouts urge device programs, digital navigators and stronger transparency for BEAD "nondeployment" funds
Summary
During two breakout sessions, task‑force members recommended nondeployment spending priorities: device distribution, digital‑navigator staffing in libraries/nonprofits, cybersecurity and a consumer broadband‑hardware label; groups also suggested a state supplemental fund to cover drop‑feed or residual costs and clearer PSC reporting of allocations and milestones.
Task‑force members used two breakout sessions to propose near‑term uses for BEAD "nondeployment" funds and to identify partners to implement them.
Patrick (community development for Brown and Kewaunee Counties) led the breakout overview and reported common proposals across rooms: fund skilled digital navigators who can provide training and hands‑on help; expand device discount and distribution programs through libraries and nonprofits; create targeted digital‑literacy curricula and cybersecurity awareness; and prepare a short report for legislators describing what a good Internet experience looks like (equipment, providers and basic expectations).
Melissa (PSC staff) reminded members that the original infrastructure law described "other uses" — adoption, affordability and devices — and that the NTIA guidance will define permissible nondeployment spending. "Non deployment was... called other uses in the original infrastructure law, and it was listed as things like Internet adoption, affordability, devices," she said, adding that the task force’s recommendations will be a resource for future state executives and legislators when funds are released.
Breakout notes captured several implementation ideas: a broadband‑hardware label or "safety index" to help consumers understand whether their router or modem can support a high‑speed connection; partnerships with UW Extension and the Department of Workforce Development to align adoption programs with workforce training; and the possibility of a state supplemental fund (or annual budget line) to cover remaining infrastructure costs such as drop‑feed installation in the most expensive rural locations.
Participants also emphasized transparency and procurement standards: several groups suggested requiring subrecipients to document operations and maintenance procedures, procurement outcomes and completed milestones so PSC can report allocations and project progress publicly.
What happens next: breakout facilitators recorded notes to be included in the task‑force report; PSC staff will receive the breakout summaries and members were invited to prepare concrete proposals the task force can recommend once NTIA issues final guidance.
