Expanding the coverage and quality of internet services remains an important challenge throughout Wisconsin. The Broadband Expansion Grant Program, managed by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, aims to assist in the development of internet services in “unserved” and “underserved” areas of the state by awarding grants to fund the building of new broadband infrastructure. This report evaluates the grant program by analyzing feedback from past grant applicants and recipients and by examining program data against American Community Survey data. Several recommendations to increase the equity and effectiveness of the grant program are provided.
Information
- Course: Spring 2021 Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869, taught by Timothy Smeeding
- Authors: Sawyer Boldt, Andrew Busker, Riley Fink, Matthew Hansen, Cayla Leikin, Krinjal Mathur
- Client: Wisconsin Broadband Office, Wisconsin Public Service Commission