Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB303

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/23
• Refer: 6/2/23
• Report Pass: 10/12/23
• Refer: 10/12/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The broadband expansion grant program. (FE)

Impact

With the updated criteria, the bill is expected to have significant implications for how broadband expansion projects are evaluated and funded. The Public Service Commission (PSC) will be tasked with administering these grants and is mandated to adjust speed standards every two years, ensuring that the criteria remain relevant to technological advancements. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of providing low-cost broadband service options to recipients of the grants, aligning with federal programs for broadband equity and access.

Summary

Assembly Bill 303 aims to amend the existing broadband expansion grant program within Wisconsin, which facilitates the construction of broadband infrastructure. The bill specifically focuses on changing the criteria for determining an 'unserved area' from those served by fewer than two broadband providers to areas where no reliable broadband service is available at specified minimum speeds. The new definition emphasizes the need for at least 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload speeds to classify as served, thus broadening the support to more areas in need of service.

Contention

Notably, the bill introduces a procedure allowing existing internet service providers (ISPs) within proposed grant areas to challenge grant applications if they believe their services meet the new criteria. This aspect of the bill raises potential concerns regarding fairness in competition, as it could discourage new providers from seeking grants if established ISPs can easily contest funding in areas they claim to serve, effectively limiting expansion efforts.

Additional_points

The updated grant prioritization structure emphasizes projects with substantial matching funds (over 40%), as well as those targeting difficult-to-connect geographic areas. The intent is to streamline efforts to ensure broadband access is equitable and meets current technological demands while balancing the interests of both new entrants to the broadband market and existing ISPs.