Wisconsin directs $27.8M in federal funds to internet connectivity programs

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin continued to distribute federal funds to increase digital connectivity in the state with $27.8 million of federal American Rescue Plan funding going toward 11 projects related to internet connectivity in the state.

The projects are intended to provide 52,409 households with a loaned device and 33,682 household with free Wi-Fi as part of the Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program.

The state has sent $345 million in state and federal funds to connect 410,000 homes and businesses in the state with new or improved broadband since 2019.

“Having access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for how we do work, how we learn, how we see our doctors, how we stay connected to our communities—and I am proud that no administration in state history has done more to expand access to high-speed internet than we have,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement.

A 2022 U.S. Census Bureau survey shows that 7% of Wisconsin residents didn’t have a computer at home and 12% did not have broadband.

The program provides computers, laptops and tablets for eligible households and also installs Wi-Fi equipment in eligible multi-dwelling units, which includes apartment buildings, condominiums and mobile home parks.

The Wi-Fi comes with assistance on use to allow for the full use of the internet services for work, education and health monitoring. The program is separate from the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which ended in April.