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Michigan is set to receive $1.5 billion in federal funding aimed at ensuring every resident in the state has access to reliable, high-speed internet. This historic investment marks a significant step forward in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital connectivity, particularly in underserved rural areas.
The funding, which is part of the Biden administration’s larger initiative to expand broadband access across the United States, was announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday. The federal dollars will be channeled through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a key component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The $1.5 billion will be used to fund a range of projects, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure in rural and low-income communities, the deployment of fiber optic cables, and the enhancement of existing networks to provide faster and more reliable service. The funding will also support digital literacy programs, aiming to ensure that residents not only have access to the internet but also the skills necessary to use it effectively.
According to the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), nearly 40% of rural Michigan households currently lack access to high-speed internet. This digital gap has been a significant barrier to economic growth and educational opportunities in these communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the critical need for robust internet access for remote work, online learning, and telehealth services.
“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure, just like roads and bridges,” said Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer for MIHI. “This funding will help us close the digital divide and ensure that every resident can fully participate in our economy and society.”
Michigan’s $1.5 billion windfall is part of a broader national effort to expand broadband access across the country. The Biden administration has allocated $65 billion for broadband expansion under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with the goal of achieving universal access by the end of the decade.