a. Affordable Connectivity Program Update
Broadband Coordinator Jaron McCallum provided an update on the program. FCC has
issued a wind down order, essentially discontinuing the program. As of February 7, there
will be no new ACP applications or enrollments accepted. If houses are fully enrolled by
that date, they will continue to receive the benefit, which is expected to be exhausted in
April or May 2024.
Has an impact on ACP Outreach Grant program. Dane County was a recipient of the
grant, FCC has advised all grant recipients to cease efforts on outreach effective
February 7.
Glazer inquired if the funds Dane County received, and yes, the money will not be
available to Dane County.
Ratcliff inquired if the funds can be used for anything else, and the answer is not really.
Discussion ensued regarding the end of the program, and the challenges of the program
to begin with.
Glazer remarked that he is hopeful that there is a solution to make broadband access
more affordable.
Weil inquired about the BEAD and EACAM funding and PSC’s eligibility for funding.
b. AECOM Final report update
The report is available on the Dane County Broadband webpage, which includes a two
page introduction from Dane County staff.
c. Update on Task Force moving forward
Ratcliff provided the background on the Task Force creation and continuation to date, as
well as hiring a Broadband Coordinator.
Glazer provided comments regarding the work of a board/commission/committee
changes over time as the needs
d. Broadband grant opportunities in the future
McCallum provided an overview of grant opportunities
Flexible Facilities program from WI DOA – up to $107 million
Digital Connectivity and Navigators program from WI PSC – up to $33 million
Nonprofit Access Grant Program – up to $500,000
Lifeline Outreach Grant Program – up to $250,000
Telemedicine Grant Program –
McCallum will provide this list of grants to Task Force members.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
he next meeting will be on April 4th in a hybrid format.
Updates on grant opportunities, Task Force moving forward
G. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda
H. Such Other Business as Allowed by Law
I. Adjourn
A motion was made by GLAZER, seconded by VIOLANTE, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.