Michigan State University was awarded more than $10 million from the Broadband Infrastructure Program, part of the Biden administration’s Internet for All initiative.
The money will fund middle mile fiber infrastructure expansion in partnership with last mile internet service providers in the state of Michigan, according to a June 27 National Telecommunications and Information Administration news release.
“We are excited to award Michigan State University grant funding as we work together to deploy essential broadband infrastructure and connect thousands of Michiganders to affordable, high-speed internet,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “All across the country, we are expanding internet access to those who truly need it by funding critical broadband infrastructure deployment projects. This award is another example of the Biden administration’s commitment to closing the digital divide.”
“Today’s investment into the Michigan Open Optical Network, a collaboration between MSU and Merit, will connect families and small businesses in unserved and underserved communities across Michigan to high-speed internet so they can get online and access the information and resources they need to thrive,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, according to the release.
She said high-speed internet access has been expanded to more than 18,000 small businesses and home since she took office, the release reported. Goals have been set to provide 100% access to high-speed internet and 95% adoption over the next five years, according to Whitmer.
The state invested $249 million under the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan earlier this year to connect more Michiganders to the internet, the release said. Whitmer promised to work with anyone to expand high-speed internet access and expressed gratitude for efforts by organizations including MSU and Merit, “who continue to get things done in this space.”
