Wisconsin Broadband Official Chides Trump Administration on BEAD Changes
Wisconsin submitted its revised BEAD plan to NTIA with the majority of its funding going to fiber, said Gov. Tony Evers (D) (see 2509050028). Wisconsin PSC Chairperson Summer Strand criticized the Trump administration's changes to the program, noting the effect that NTIA's revisions had on its final plan. "Due to the regressive changes made by the Trump Administration in the eleventh hour, the Final Proposal submitted last week does not reflect all aspects of Wisconsin’s carefully crafted BEAD Program developed through a robust and inclusive public and stakeholder engagement process to ensure the deployment of reliable high-speed internet throughout the state." Still, Strand applauded the state broadband office's efforts.
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Likewise, Evers expressed frustration with the administration. "Despite the Trump Administration’s efforts to delay this essential funding, thanks to the tremendous efforts of the PSC [Public Service Commission] and our federal partners, we were able to keep our year-long efforts to implement this program on track," Evers said. Wisconsin awarded about 74% of its funding to fiber, 13% to fixed wireless and 13% to satellite, serving more than 174,000 homes and businesses.