Wisconsin – In a significant boost to rural and underserved communities across Wisconsin, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced today that the state will receive $13.2 million in federal funding to expand high-speed broadband access. This funding made possible through the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring more Wisconsin families, businesses, and schools can connect to fast, reliable internet.
The allocated funds will support comprehensive broadband expansion efforts, prioritizing areas that have long faced connectivity challenges due to high costs, low population density, or complex terrain. These areas are widespread in rural Wisconsin, where residents and small business owners often need help with slow internet speeds or limited service options. Senator Baldwin emphasized that this funding is a step toward ensuring that all Wisconsinites, regardless of location, have equal access to digital resources that have become essential in today’s economy and society.
“In today’s world, high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Senator Baldwin said in her announcement. “This funding will open doors to economic opportunities, improve access to healthcare and education, and make Wisconsin a better place to live and work. By expanding high-speed broadband, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected Wisconsin.”
The funding will also support Wisconsin’s efforts to leverage digital tools in critical areas, including remote education, telemedicine, and small business development. With these new federal resources, state and local governments will work closely with broadband providers and community organizations to implement a phased rollout of broadband infrastructure projects. Many of these projects will focus on “last-mile” infrastructure, connecting individual homes and businesses excluded from existing networks due to logistical or financial barriers.
Wisconsin’s allocation is part of a broader national initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $65 billion to expand broadband access nationwide. In Wisconsin, the goal is to provide high-speed connections and improve digital literacy, ensuring residents can fully utilize new services for work, education, and personal needs.
“By investing in our broadband infrastructure, we’re investing in Wisconsin’s future,” Baldwin added. “This initiative is about giving every Wisconsinite the tools they need to succeed in a digital world.”
The digital divide remains a pressing issue in Wisconsin, where nearly 14% of residents lack access to high-speed internet, with an even higher percentage in some rural communities. By addressing these gaps, the funding promises to have far-reaching effects on Wisconsin’s economy, allowing local businesses to compete on a larger scale, facilitating remote work, and improving residents’ quality of life.
Officials plan to begin project implementation soon, focusing on immediate expansion needs and long-term network reliability. Community members can expect new fiber-optic installations, enhanced wireless coverage, and additional resources for families needing affordable internet options. This announcement reflects a broader national momentum toward digital inclusion and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving universal broadband access.
As Wisconsin embarks on this transformative journey, residents, local leaders, and internet service providers alike are hopeful for a future where broadband access is as reliable and ubiquitous as any other essential utility.
