Wis. Legislature Votes to Prefer Fiber

A state broadband bill passed the Wisconsin legislature, disappointing the wireless industry. The Senate and Assembly each passed SB-325 Tuesday, despite wireless industry concerns about the bill limiting future funding to fiber-only projects (see 2309290046). It will go to Gov. Tony Evers (D) for approval. “Fixed wireless is the fastest growing form of broadband in the [U.S.] so allowing wireless broadband solutions to compete for state broadband funds will only benefit consumers and accelerate the expansion of connectivity,” a Wireless Infrastructure Association spokesperson said Wednesday. The bill is a departure from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission's historically tech-neutral approach to broadband grants, said Wireless ISP Association State Advocacy Manager Steve Schwerbel. "The Wisconsin Legislature has taken an unfortunate and disappointing step away from this success, passing legislation designed to put its thumb on the scale in favor of certain technologies over others. This will push the PSC to ignore quicker-to-deploy, more cost-effective projects that offer the same speed and reliability to customers who need broadband access today." Also, Wisconsin senators voted 30-2 Tuesday for SB-371, which would create a grant program at the Department of Military Affairs for ILECs to reimburse next-generation 911 costs. It will go to the Assembly.