The state of Michigan is taking another step toward expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet as 23 subgrantees have officially signed agreements through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Michigan’s BEAD Program is investing $916 million in federal funds, with subgrantees to invest an additional $531 million in private match which will connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to high-speed internet service.
“Reliable high-speed internet means a student can complete homework, a parent can work from home, a small business can reach new customers, and a family can access health care without leaving home,” says Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to the commitment of our BEAD subgrantees, who are investing their own funds alongside this effort, we’re bringing more communities closer to these opportunities and building a stronger, more connected Michigan.”
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office says it’s been working with BEAD awardees to finalize grant agreements and prepare projects to move forward. With contracts now signed, the subgrantees can complete pre-construction requirements like permitting and begin preparing for construction for their BEAD projects.
Subgrantees that have finalized contracts include:
- 123NET
- Baraga Telephone Co.
- Barry County Services
- Brightspeed
- Cherry Capital Connection
- CMS Internet
- DMCI Broadband
- Duke Broadband Inc.
- Frontier North Inc.
- Great Lakes Energy
- ITC Broadband Operating
- LakeNet
- Michigan Bell Telephone Co.
- Midwest Energy & Communications
- Pigeon Telephone Co.
- Point Broadband Fiber Holding
- Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op
- Southwest Michigan Communications Inc.
- Spectrum
- Strategic Management
- Thumb Electric Cooperative
- Upper Peninsula Telephone Co.
- Waldron Communication Co.
The agreements move broadband infrastructure projects closer to construction, supporting the state’s efforts to connect more Michigan residents, businesses, and communities to the opportunities high-speed internet provides.
“Michigan is making meaningful progress toward closing the digital divide, and that progress is possible because of the providers stepping up to bring high-speed internet to more communities,” says Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer at MIHI. “We’re grateful to our BEAD subgrantees for their commitment and investment in this work, bringing us closer to a future where every Michigander has access to the reliable, high-speed internet they deserve.”
The BEAD Program provides federal funding to expand high-speed internet in areas that lack reliable broadband service. Michigan’s BEAD investments are designed to support projects across the state, with a focus on reaching unserved and underserved homes, businesses, and communities.
MIHI anticipates an additional five provisionally selected subgrantees will execute their grant agreements soon. Once grant agreements are executed, subgrantees have four years to complete their projects. Additional updates will be shared as work progresses.
To learn more about Michigan’s work to expand broadband access, visit here.
