BACKGROUND
- What is the Broadband Connectors Pilot?
The Broadband Connectors Pilot is a new pilot program launched in partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Public Service Commission in Fall 2020. Six communities will be selected for the pilot cohort and will receive technical assistance so they are better prepared to apply for federal, state, and private-sector broadband expansion funds.
- Why is the pilot needed?
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated significant gaps in broadband coverage in Wisconsin’s rural communities, making e-learning, telecommuting, telehealth, and online sales difficult or impossible in many parts of the state. Navigating broadband expansion can be challenging, and local capacity is often stretched thin, especially now as communities grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Why is this a pilot and not a permanent program?
We understand the need for broadband technical assistance is much greater than the number of communities we are selecting for this pilot cohort, but we want communities to receive meaningful and robust technical assistance from WEDC. We want to glean key learnings and best practices from working closely with a small group of communities, which will inform the refinement of the Wisconsin Broadband Playbook for Communities. Additionally, we want to better understand the type(s) of technical assistance that communities need most to expand broadband, which will inform recommendations regarding future programs and resources.
- What benefits do communities stand to receive by serving as a pilot community?
The point of contact for selected communities will be paired with WEDC staff, who will work closely with the community through December 2020 to provide broadband technical assistance. WEDC will not write grant applications on the communities’ behalf. The technical assistance provided by WEDC will vary depending on the community’s past efforts and goals but could include (this is not an exhaustive list):
- helping to evaluate the unique situation, assets, and challenges of the community;
- matchmaking and facilitating conversations or agreements with project partners;
- helping communities navigate state, federal and private broadband funding application requirements;
- facilitating the formation of a local broadband task force; or
- assisting communities with developing actionable broadband and digital access plans.
- What are the desired outcomes of the pilot?
Through participation in the pilot cohort, we intend to increase communities’ readiness to apply for state, federal, or private broadband opportunities, and we intend to provide the community with a roadmap for continuing its work to expand broadband after the pilot ends.
APPLICATION
- How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include Wisconsin local governments (city, village, town, or county), tribal governments, and school districts.
- How long is the application? What will I need to fill it in?
Communities must identify one point of contact to work with WEDC in the application. The application also includes five key questions to help WEDC understand the community’s challenges and goals related to broadband expansion, what steps have already been taken to expand broadband, what community partnerships have already been established, and the time commitment that the community’s point of contact can make to participate in this pilot.
- My community doesn’t have a lot of staff, and our leadership is volunteer-based. What kind of staffing needs does my community need to be a part of the pilot?
Communities must identify one point of contact to work with WEDC. The point of contact must be employed by an eligible applicant (local government, tribal government or a school district).
- Can an eligible entity apply jointly with another eligible entity?
Multiple eligible entities may apply jointly and be listed together in the “Applicant(s)” field of the application. They must still identify one point of contact. If non-eligible entities will serve as partners in the pilot, those entities should not be listed in the “Applicant(s)” field. Partnerships with non-eligible entities should be listed or described in this question: “What partners, if any, have committed to working on broadband expansion in your community?”
- What benefit is there for me in applying for the pilot?
After applying for the pilot, your community may be invited to join a pilot cohort of six communities that will receive broadband technical assistance from WEDC during fall 2020. Additionally, we envision the information we learn from communities’ applications will help us understand the type(s) of technical assistance that communities need most to expand broadband, which will inform recommendations regarding future programs and resources.
- The PSC’s application period for the Broadband Expansion Grant Program is currently open until December 1, 2020. If my community is applying for an expansion grant should we apply for this pilot?
This pilot aims to assist communities in identifying and capitalizing on state, federal or private broadband opportunities. Every community’s situation is unique. We will not preclude communities from applying if they are preparing to apply for an expansion grant this fall, but we will look for a realistic vision of the technical assistance that the community is seeking within the time frame of this pilot.
POST-APPLICATION
- When will I find out if I have been chosen, and how will I find out?
Selected communities will be invited to participate in the pilot cohort by email in early October. Communities that were not selected will be notified by email in mid-October.
- If my community is not chosen, can we appeal? Will there be a second chance?
No. There will be no appeals process. We understand the need for broadband technical assistance is much greater than the number of communities we are selecting for this pilot cohort. We envision that the key learnings and best practices developed through this pilot will be incorporated in the Wisconsin Broadband Playbook for Communities to aid communities across the state. We also envision that developing a better understanding of the type(s) of technical assistance that communities need most to expand broadband will inform recommendations regarding future programs and resources.
- Will I have to meet with WEDC in person if my community is selected for the pilot cohort?
No. Technical assistance will be provided to communities by phone and video. No in-person meetings will be conducted.
- Will I get preferential scoring for grants if my community is selected for the pilot cohort?
No. Participation in the pilot cohort will not give the selected communities preferential scoring for any grants in the future.
- Will the selected communities receive funding or have access to financing sources that other communities will not?
No. There is no financial award provided to communities through participation in this pilot, and selected communities will not have access to financing sources that other communities will not.
- What time commitment should I anticipate having to make for this pilot?
WEDC staff plan to meet virtually or by phone at least once a week with each selected community through the end of December, in addition to working over email.
- Will the selected communities have to pay for anything?
There is no financial obligation for communities to participate in this pilot. Communities must identify one point of contact to work with WEDC. The point of contact must be employed by an eligible applicant (local government, tribal government or school district). Costs may arise depending on the community’s goals. For example, there may be costs associated with conducting surveys.
- What happens when my community completes the pilot?
Communities will have a roadmap for continuing their work to expand broadband beyond the life of the pilot. Additionally, communities in the pilot cohort will be asked to complete a pilot evaluation survey to provide feedback on this pilot to help inform future resources and programs.
