Broadband Initiative

Broadband, or high-speed internet, is imperative infrastructure for Michigan’s economic vitality. Access to fast, reliable and affordable internet for every resident, business and community is a shared goal of MEDC and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. Together, we are working to make Michigan a state of digital equity and profound technological advancement.

MEDC works with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) and several key partners to support the state’s broadband initiative and create awareness of the importance of high-speed internet access. Through this collaboration, our efforts to expand broadband access can be unified across the state and make an impact in the lives and economic opportunity of Michiganders. Learn more about MIHI below and see the Additional Resources section to learn more about our other partnerships.

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office

Access to affordable high-speed internet is a necessity in our professional, personal and social lives. A lack of connectivity is a barrier to online learning, healthcare and economic opportunity. That's why Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2021-2 to establish the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), which coordinates investments made into broadband infrastructure and its utilization.

Learn more about MIHI

Did you Know?

Having broadband provides households with an estimated $1,850 annual economic benefit

Having broadband provides households with an estimated $1,850 annual economic benefit

Statewide, teleworkers save $363 million in car maintenance and fuel annually

Statewide, teleworkers save $363 million in car maintenance and fuel annually

Broadband access can increase home values by an average of 3.1 percent

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

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

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

Small businesses with websites have higher annual revenue than those that do not

Broadband News & Events

MI Connected Future Listening Tour

Share your thoughts on delivering affordable, equitable and reliable high-speed internet service throughout the state. The tour will include more than 40 events statewide throughout 2023.
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Michigan Broadband Mapping and Analysis 

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

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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.

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer

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Additional Information and Resources

Connected Nation Michigan

Connected Nation Michigan, in partnership with MEDC, Michigan Public Service Commission, and the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, is working to ensure that all Michiganders can experience the benefits of broadband.

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.

Michigan Public Service Commission

The Michigan Public Service Commission has partnered with Connected Nation Michigan to map broadband availability throughout the state.

Educational Access Network

The Northern Michigan University Educational Access Network (EAN) is a personal broadband connection that allows students to connect to their school's network to meet their educational needs.

Merit's Michigan Moonshot

The Michigan Moonshot is Merit’s commitment to ending the digital divide. The Michigan Moonshot aims to leverage public and private partnerships to connect everyone in rural Michigan, regardless of geography.