The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the federal government, has awarded Michigan $920 million to administer the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, or BEAD.
Overall, BEAD represents the largest single investment in high-speed internet infrastructure in the nation’s history.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Michigan High Speed Internet Office (MIHI) states the new funding is the single largest investment in high-speed internet infrastructure in Michigan, as well.
According to state officials, the private sector is projected to contribute $550 million in matching funds, bringing the total upcoming investment in Michigan’s high-speed internet infrastructure to $1.47 billion. The state has the third-highest number of BEAD-eligible locations in the nation.
The funding is expected to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and institutions through the BEAD program, with more than 31,000 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure deployed over the next four years to connect the unserved and underserved areas in Michigan.
“We’re committed to expanding opportunity in every corner of the state, and we know that access to reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury,” says Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer of MIHI.
“This funding will help us continue building critical infrastructure allowing us to bring high-speed internet statewide. This helps Michiganders get access to education, visit doctors, apply for jobs, and so much more. Plus, the economic impact has a ripple effect, supporting jobs that build this infrastructure.”
In addition to BEAD, MIHI’s ROBIN program reports it has connected more than 33,000 homes and businesses to fiber-optic high-speed infrastructure and will connect an additional 50,000 more in 2026.
“The BEAD program has the potential to be one of the most transformative infrastructure initiatives in Michigan’s history,” says Chuck Irvin, chief resource officer at 123Net in Southfield. “Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office has done a remarkable job steering our state through the complexities that come with a program this ambitious.
“Reliable, affordable internet is essential today. BEAD funding is a major step toward closing the last great connectivity gap by bringing high-quality service to rural communities and lower-income urban neighborhoods that still lack comprehensive, affordable access. Today marks a huge milestone, but there’s still so much important work ahead. From here, hardworking Michiganders will take these public subsidies and private matching dollars and convert them into real value for the people of our state through better connectivity.”
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MIHI.
