The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (Mi-Hi) is nearing the end of its statewide listening tour to gather feedback from Michiganders for a plan to use $1.5 billion worth of federal funding to expand high-speed internet access across the state.
The department has released early drafts of the plans based on the feedback they have received while on tour.
During the state’s tour, community members have said that availability and affordability are their top priorities.
Eric Frederick, MI-HI’s chief connectivity officer, said the plans will not only address the community’s concerns, but go beyond them.
“The first one is ensuring all Michiganders have access to reliable high speed internet… We also want to attract workers and employers to move and work in Michigan. We want to improve educational attainment, and we want to improve health outcomes,” said Frederick.
The state’s five-year plan sets goals for the implementation of the federal funds. This includes deploying resilient and sustainable broadband infrastructure and making sure the funds reach as many broadband deserts as possible.
Frederick said his office has received positive responses from communities in both peninsulas on the early drafts.
“They like the goals, they like the priorities. We’ve gathered additional feedback as well… But generally people have been pretty happy with the plans that have been put together,” said Frederick.