Over $2 million in funding awarded to Ntera projects

Ntera received more than $2 million in Broadband Access Grants from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). Overall, the commission awarded $99,932,502 for 83 projects that will expand fiber broadband internet, to more than 28,426 residential and 1,490 business locations, currently unserved and underserved.

The projects receiving awards are located in 40 counties and three tribal lands. Grant awardees will provide matching funds of $101,942,388.

“The lack of broadband access in our state, makes essential services and resources out of reach for many Wisconsinites, which made the (COVID-19) pandemic nearly unmanageable,” said PSC chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq.

Project areas for Ntera, are in Arnold ($673,650), Colburn and Crescent ($436,403), and Delmar and Edson ($1.65 million).

The grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Applications were made available June 1, and were due July 27. The PSC received 242 applications, requesting more than $440 million for projects that will be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.

Internet service providers, telecommunications utilities, cooperatives, local governments, and for-profit and nonprofi t organizations were eligible to apply. The commission evaluated broadband projects, based on applicant capacity, capability, performance, project budget, proposed matching funds and the proposed service area’s existing broadband service needs.

Applicants not selected for ARPA funding, are encouraged to apply for the State’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program.