TDS lauds Gov. Walker for broadband grants
TDS plans to apply for additional funds to support rural areas
DODGEVILLE - (Oct. 12, 2017) — TDS Telecom (TDS®) applauds Governor Walker on his announcement yesterday that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is now accepting applications for a second round of Broadband Expansion Grants for Fiscal Year 2018. The second round of grants total $7.5 million and will extend broadband to underserved areas of the state.
The governor also announced a third $7 million grant cycle will open in June, 2018 for a total of $14.5 million in broadband grants in 2018.
These funds will be leveraged, by TDS and other Wisconsin telecom companies, to improve internet speeds and reliability in rural communities across the state. This grant cycle provides additional funds recently approved in the state budget. Applications for the Broadband Expansion Grants are due at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by Jan. 25, 2018.
The following statement can be attributed to Jean Pauk, manager – State Government Affairs, for TDS Telecom:
“This is a huge step forward for Wisconsin, especially rural Wisconsinites looking for faster, more reliable internet service. We applaud Governor Walker for introducing the idea and thank the legislative leadership for ensuring more funding for broadband investment. Collectively, you have set a course for Wisconsin to offer the fastest, most reliable internet service in the upper Midwest.
“TDS plans to apply for the funding to the Public Service Commission. Should we be fortunate to secure funds, we’re confident we will build up these networks and provide broadband service to thousands of high-cost, hard-to-serve homes and businesses across our service areas.
“This expansion guarantees the state will partner with private communications providers to construct and expand reliable, high-speed networks in parts of the state where no competition or providers exist. TDS has a proven track record of leveraging state and federal grants while also investing its own capital to provide reliable, high-speed internet services to customers. We understand these services bring essential educational and economic opportunities to rural areas of the state.”
Background:
In recent years, TDS received grants from the Wisconsin Broadband Grant Program to provide broadband in the Town of Berry and Town of Vermont, in northwest Dane County and Town of Cranmoor, in central Wisconsin
