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Broadband Initiative

MEDC has convened a group of stakeholders across Michigan to address broadband and technology adoption issues and to increase broadband access throughout the state.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Enrollment is now open!

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Program Overview

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:

  1. Improve access to unserved areas through the creation of successful partnerships for broadband expansion and the connection of communities and institutions.
  2. Increase Broadband adoption through the promotion and increased awareness of low-cost broadband subscription programs and partnerships that allow innovative uses of technology.
  3. Progress Michigan’s Broadband Ecosystem through making state investments in broadband and technology, leveraging telecommunications providers to help shape improved policy; and providing comprehensive technical assistance, best practices and guidance to communities.

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Michigan High-Speed Internet Office

Access to affordable high-speed internet has become a necessity in our professional, personal and social lives, and that 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 help bridge the digital divide and established the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), which will coordinate all state, federal, philanthropic and private investments made into broadband infrastructure and its utilization.

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2021 Update: Michigan Broadband Roadmap

Read Report

This plan is dedicated to delivering high-speed internet and identifying opportunities to address the state’s digital divide

Ensuring access to and adoption of fast, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet for every Michigander is critical, and this roadmap will guide the MIHI Office in this mission.

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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Broadband News:

  • Whitmer Announces Three Million Awarded to Expand High Speed Internet in Eastern Upper Peninsula
  • Gov. Whitmer Celebrates Building Michigan Together Plan’s Historic Investments in Housing, High-Speed Internet
  • Governor Whitmer & Lt. Governor Gilchrist Announce Planning Project to Connect Michiganders to High-Speed Internet
  • Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Continue Connecting Families, Communities, Small Businesses to High-Speed Internet
  • Gov. Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist Announce High-Speed Internet Expansion in Washtenaw County to Support Small Businesses
  • Lt. Governor Gilchrist announces award to increase high-speed internet access across Michigan
  • Lt. Governor Gilchrist Encourages Michiganders to Sign Up for Federal Program to Lower Cost of High-Speed Internet
  • Podcast: Eric Frederick of Connected Nation Michigan talks with MEDC's Ed Clemente on The Michigan Opportunity Podcast
  • Michigan Infrastructure Council Debuts Public and Private Infrastructure 'Dig Once' Coordination Tool
  • Podcast: Listen to MEDC's Amanda Bright McClanahan as she discusses the importance of broadband access for all Michiganders and what the state is doing to bridge the gap
  • Michigan secures $363 million in federal funding to increase access to rural high-speed internet
  • T‑Mobile Expands Home Internet to More Than 130 Additional Cities & Towns

Connecting Michigan Taskforce Virtual Listening Tour

The Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT) hosted two rounds of a virtual listening and learning tour to discuss broadband and technology in the state. The sessions discussed activities of the taskforce, federal and state broadband efforts, and insight and feedback on broadband issues and solutions in your community.

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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.

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Michigan broadband inventory maps as of September 2021

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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

Additional Information and Resources

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Connected Nation Michigan

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

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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.

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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

With the mission to expand economic opportunities in Michigan communities, federal support through MEDC's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is supporting the state's broadband initiative.

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Michigan Public Service Commission

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

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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.

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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.

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