Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association (WSTA)

It is with great sadness that we share news regarding the passing of Charles “Charlie” Iverson. Charlie passed away yesterday, June 5, 2026 at Bethany Home in Waupaca.

Charlie was a longtime Amherst Communications director and former plant manager. He served an incredible 67 years on the Amherst Communications board and was an important part of the company’s history and growth.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Amherst, Wisconsin. A visitation will precede the service from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Charlie’s obituary is available here: https://www.hollyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-iverson-2/obituary

Please join us in keeping the Iverson family in your thoughts and prayers.

Charles O. Iverson Jr.'s Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information Read the obituary of Charles O. Iverson Jr. from Amherst, WI. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Thank you to the lawmakers, government officials and members who participated in our 2026 Government Relations Seminar. It was a great review of recent session success and opportunity to start planning for future sessions.

Registration for the 116th Annual Convention is now open! We are thrilled to host Wisconsin's premier telecommunications and broadband industry event this year at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva. Please visit the link below for more information for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors and to sign up!

https://wsta.info/116th-Convention

Thank you to Senator Romaine Robert Quinn and Representative Rob Summerfield for their work to support rural broadband expansion this session!

Their legislation, Senate Bill 176 and Assembly Bill 208, took another significant step in the process yesterday when it passed the Assembly on a bipartisan vote. The amended bill will now go back to the Senate for concurrence.

As amended, the legislation creates an income tax credit for government funds (i.e. local, state, federal or tribal grants; all FCC high-cost support) used for broadband expansion. The proposed income tax credit will help broadband providers expedite BEAD projects as they compete on a regional and national basis for construction crews, fiber, hardware, and other critical resources.

Thank you, Senator Romaine Robert Quinn, for your leadership and work to promote rural broadband expansion!

Today on finance we took up my legislation to exempt broadband grants from being taxed! This allows our small internet providers, like Mosaic Technologies, Norvado, and Citizens Connected to use 100% of any grant they receive to put fiber into the ground and reach our most rural neighbors. 🛜

Disappointed to see my Democrat colleagues now flip and oppose my once bipartisan bill. Rumor has it the Governor no longer wants to sign it, so he’s making sure it remains partisan. It might be cold out, but it looks like it’s flip flop season in Madison! 🩴