Broadband expansion continues to be one of my top priorities. I have continually championed funding and policies that have encouraged broadband expansion into the areas that need it most in Wisconsin.

This is the third in a series of columns called “Whatever Happened To…”? My goal is to provide a recap and update on an idea, bill, or project that I worked on in the past. The nature of the legislative cycle often encourages us to finish working on ideas and move on. But I like to follow-up and confirm that the projects, bills, and ideas I advance are accomplishing our goals. This column is one way to share this follow-up with you.

This week, let’s talk about Whatever Happened To…Broadband Expansion Funding?

To date, more than $2.8 billion has been allocated to Wisconsin for broadband expansion through state and federal funding. In addition, private companies have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to support broadband deployment across Wisconsin.

Since the state first started funding awards for broadband expansion in 2014, nearly $215 million has been invested in the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Of this amount, $32.8 million has been awarded to 40 projects in the current and new 17th Senate District. This amount, combined with another $32.7 million in matching funds, means that $65.6 million has been invested in southern and southwest Wisconsin thanks to our direct investments.

In total, 363 projects have been awarded state Broadband Expansion Grant Program funding. 385,817 households and 25,535 businesses have received broadband thanks to the state’s investments! Once money provided by the federal government and private investment is included, this number is even higher. Thanks to our investments, we have made significant progress in deploying broadband across the state, but there is still more work to be done.

As of today, there is about $1.1 billion in federal money that was provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) being made ready for distribution through a competitive grant program. Like the Broadband Expansion Grant Program, this money will be administered by the Public Service Commission (PSC). This funding will support projects to deploy broadband, largely fiber, that will provide speeds of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed, generally written as 100/20 Mbps, to areas that currently do not have that level of service.

According to a recent report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for the counties of the current and new 17th Senate District, there are a total of 286,098 broadband serviceable locations. About 19% (53,143) of these locations do not currently have 100/20 Mbps service. Statewide, there are 195,224 locations without 100/20 Mbps service. This means that about 25% of the eligible locations in the entire state are in the 17th Senate District.

Priority for this funding will be given to areas that are considered unserved. Unserved locations are those where there is no internet or where speeds are 25/3 Mbps or less. In Wisconsin, there are currently 180,109 locations that are considered unserved and 29,250 of these are in the counties of 17th Senate District. The counties with the highest percentage of unserved locations are Lafayette County (27.25%) and Iowa County (26.80%). I am hopeful that there will be many project awards in the 17th Senate District.

As we consider future state investment in the Broadband Expansion Grant Program, I am keeping a close eye on how the money provided by BIL is allocated. I am a strong supporter of broadband expansion. I want to make sure the money is spent effectively and on the projects in the areas that need it the most.

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles and receive your input.