TERMINOLOGY
ACAM: Alternative Connect America Cost Model, established in 2016 to provide funding to rate of return carriers to build broadband to high-cost areas.
E-ACAM: Enhanced ACAM was established in July 2023 to provide support to internet service providers to offer broadband and voice service at speeds of 100/20 Mbps (download/upload). Providers have 4 years to complete deployment.
ACP: The Affordable Connectivity Fund is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford broadband service. The benefit provides up to $30/month toward internet service for eligible households. ACP is set to expire in April 2024.
ARPA: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided limited federal funds to the PSC for grants to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability.
BEAD: The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program will provide approximately $42.5 billion in funding nationwide to build broadband infrastructure. Wisconsin will receive $1.055 billion to support the deployment of primarily fiber internet technology that provides service of 100/20 Mbps to all households and residences in Wisconsin that lack access to 25/3 Mbps service. The Wisconsin BEAD grant process will begin in 2024, with projects expected to be completed by 2030.
Broadband: The term “broadband” commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access.
Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies, such as:
- Fiber
- Fixed wireless
- Satellite
- Digital subscriber line
- Cable
BSL: A Broadband Serviceable Location is a business or residential location at which fixed broadband service is, or can be, installed.
CPF: The Capital Projects Fund grant program administered by the Wisconsin PSC to expand broadband access, adoption and affordability.
Fiber: Fiber-optic internet, commonly called fiber internet or simply "fiber," is a broadband connection that can reach speeds of up to 940 Megabits per second (Mbps), with low lag time. The technology uses fiber-optic cable, which can send data as fast as about 70% the speed of light.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company that provides subscribers with access to the internet.
Mbps: Mbps stands for "megabits per second" and it is the standard for measuring the speeds of an internet plan. Internet plans have both an upload speed and a download speed. Download speed governs how quickly you can download things off the internet. This covers things like streaming videos or movies, downloading files like games, or even just browsing the web. Upload speed determines how quickly you can send things to the internet. This is for things like sending files to your boss for work or posting pictures online.
PSC: The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is responsible for regulating more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities. The PSC supports the Broadband Expansion Grant Program to encourage the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability in underserved areas of the state.
RDOF: The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is an FCC initiative designed to inject billions of dollars into the construction and operation of rural broadband networks.
Wifi: Wifi is the wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones and other devices to the internet.
Wireless: Wireless internet service is a type of Internet service that provisions connectivity through wireless means. It provides Internet connectivity service to end users and organizations over a wireless communication network. Wireless Internet service is primarily delivered by a wireless internet service provider (WISP). Typically, wireless internet is delivered through radio waves or satellite signals.
STANDARDS
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband capability requires consumers to have access to actual download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and actual upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.
- Wisconsin BEAD efforts will require download speeds of at least 100mbps and upload of 25 Mpbs.
The mission of the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) is to make high speed internet service accessible and affordable for all Wisconsinites. As part of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the WBO leads statewide efforts to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability. The WBO provides support to residents seeking internet access, manages broadband grant programs, compiles broadband service maps, and builds capacity through planning and outreach. Our vision is that all Wisconsinites have access to affordable broadband service and equitably share in the benefits of broadband technology.