Michigan broadband internet expands digital access as 10,000 homes gain high-speed services through the ROBIN program, advancing education, healthcare, and economic growth.
Over 10,000 Michigan Homes and Businesses Connected to High-Speed Internet
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) announced a landmark achievement this week, celebrating the connection of more than 10,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet. These advancements, funded through the Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) program, aim to bridge the digital divide and improve lives across Michigan.
High-speed internet is increasingly essential for activities ranging from education to healthcare. “Access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a necessity to pay the bills, do homework, access telehealth services, and so much more,” Whitmer said. The announcement marks a step toward her administration’s goal of ensuring digital equity for every Michigander.
Expanding Broadband Across the State
The ROBIN program, supported by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, has already disbursed $238 million in federal grants and leveraged an additional $218 million in private matching funds. These funds will connect over 71,500 unserved locations across the state by the program’s completion.
In its second and final round of funding, 17 projects from seven applicants received over $71 million in grants, matched by $86 million from private entities. These efforts will bring high-speed internet to 16,023 more homes and businesses, spreading connectivity across 51 of Michigan’s 83 counties.
The first round of funding, announced in 2023, allocated $166 million in grants and $133 million in private matches, benefiting 55,425 unserved locations. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
High-Speed Digital Internet For Rural Michigan
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is spearheading multiple initiatives, including the upcoming implementation of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which seeks to address connectivity gaps nationwide.
“ROBIN is the first piece of the puzzle when it comes to reaching universal broadband availability here in Michigan,” said Eric Frederick, Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer. The investments aim not only to expand access but also to boost the economy, create jobs, and provide equitable opportunities for rural and underserved areas.
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo emphasized the broader economic significance of these investments, noting their alignment with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
Check Michigan Broadband Internet Services For Your Home
This image below provides a snapshot of broadband service coverage for 6608 Sylva Beach Road, Caseville, MI 48725, as reported by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI). The address is marked as “Served,” indicating access to internet services. Two providers are listed: Xfinity, offering robust cable internet speeds of up to 1200 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload, and T-Mobile US, which provides significantly slower licensed fixed wireless speeds of just 0.2 Mbps for both upload and download. Despite the availability of services, the property has not received funding under broadband expansion programs, labeled as “Not Funded,” highlighting no government-supported infrastructure improvements for the area.
The map highlights the property’s location with a yellow pin, surrounded by nearby properties marked with green dots, each representing addresses also served by broadband. The area includes roads such as Sylva Beach Road, Trail Road, and Port Austin Road, and is near Philp County Park, showcasing a mix of rural and residential settings. The status “No Challenges” suggests no disputes or inaccuracies in the service data reported for the location. This visual reinforces the disparity in service quality, as residents have access to both high-speed cable and minimal fixed wireless options but lack additional funding support for enhanced infrastructure.
Michigan Broadband Internet for the Future
While the ROBIN program represents a significant milestone, stakeholders acknowledge the work ahead. MIHI is set to begin accepting project applications for the BEAD program, signaling the next phase in Michigan’s commitment to digital equity. By focusing on areas historically left behind, these efforts promise to improve quality of life for residents statewide.
For more details, including a list of final grant awards and broadband coverage maps, visit Michigan.gov/MIHI and MichiganBroadbandMap.com.
Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Features: Unveiling the people, places, and events that make the Great Lake State unique, we’ll explore hidden gems and must-do activities.
- Weird Political News: A sarcastic and insightful take on official news released by government sources, Political Action Committees and Public Officials from all over the US. All stories are true and sourced.
- Michigan News: News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Your Turn – Like This, or Hate It – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are removed. Consider sharing this story. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.
