Michigan Secures $1.5 Billion Funding in BEAD Program to Bring High-Speed Internet to Over 200,000 Residents

Michigan is poised to receive more than $1.5 billion through the BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment). This program will expand high-speed internet access and will enable digital equity for over 200,000 Michiganders.

The BEAD Program is complemented by additional funding initiatives that promote innovation and economic growth by supporting efforts to expand broadband connectivity. (Photo: National Digital Inclusion Alliance)

BEAD Program in Michigan

The funding for this ambitious BEAD program stems from the $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Its primary objective is to narrow the gap in internet access and ensure that Michigan residents have affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet connectivity, a published article reported.

As identified on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map, each state and territory is guaranteed a minimum of $100 million, with the remaining portion of their allocation based on the number of locations currently lacking high-speed internet access.

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) will complete the required 5-Year Action Plan for the BEAD program. The MIHI will also develop the BEAD Initial Proposal, tracing the subgrant processes that will deploy the funds to ensure universal availability of high-speed internet across the state.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the BEAD Program is complemented by additional funding initiatives that promote innovation and economic growth by supporting efforts to expand broadband connectivity. One such program is the Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) Grant Program.

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Benefits of the BEAD Program in Michigan

Governor Whitmer voiced her enthusiasm for the BEAD program, saying they have won a game-changing investment to boost access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet to 210,000 more homes across Michigan.

Zachary Kolodin, Michigan’s Chief Infrastructure Officer and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office stressed the significance of high-speed internet access.

According to him, the federal funding they have received from the BEAD program will allow them to connect more than 200,000 underserved households to high-quality, high-speed internet, ensuring that every home in all of Michigan has broadband access.

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