MEDC has convened a group of stakeholders across Michigan to address broadband and technology adoption issues and to increase broadband access throughout the state.
Universal access to broadband is a clear and urgent priority for every Michigan resident, business, region, and community. That is why the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Connected Nation Michigan (CNMI) to address the state’s broadband challenges and to improve access, adoption, and the use of broadband technology across the state.
Funded through the State of Michigan’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as a technical assistance grant, MEDC and CNMI have formed the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT) and are working with a number of other state agencies and private sector partners to increased broadband access and adoption across the state.
The Connecting Michigan Taskforce is focused on the following three areas:
“In today’s society, the fastest way to create an even playing field for all is access to high-speed internet. These broadband internet projects, along with additional infrastructure initiatives we are undertaking, will provide underserved communities in Michigan with high-speed internet service. This critical service is no longer a luxury but is a necessity that allows every Michigander to get a quality education and compete in the global economy.”
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Creating accurate broadband maps is one of the first steps to promoting broadband expansion and technology growth in Michigan. The Connected Nation Michigan mapping initiative is working closely with broadband providers from across the state to develop a variety of broadband inventory maps for public use.
Michigan broadband inventory maps as of September 2020
View MapsDid you Know?
Having broadband provides households with an estimated $1,850 annual economic benefit
Statewide, teleworkers save $363 million in car maintenance and fuel annually
Broadband access can increase home values by an average of 3.1 percent
Telemedicine adds an estimated $522,000 to rural economics and reduces hospitalizations
It is estimated that one percentage point increase in broadband access could create or save about 12,000 jobs statewide
Small businesses with websites have higher annual revenue than those that do not
Additional Information and Resources
Connecting Michigan Communities Grant Program
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) provided a grant opportunity to extend broadband service into unserved areas in Michigan. The grant demonstrates collaboration to achieve community investment and economic development goals of the area impacted.
