BEAD program draws strong interest during first application window

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is advancing efforts to extend broadband coverage to every home, business, and community anchor institution across Michigan with the announcement of the preliminary results of the first project application period for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Starting January 9 and ending on April 9, internet service providers, communities, and eligible participants had the opportunity to submit project applications to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved locations across Michigan. By enabling access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, the BEAD program will unlock opportunities in education, healthcare and economic growth for more Michiganders through access to high-speed internet. The first round brought in 392 applications from 32 applicants seeking to build high-speed fiber-optic service. Their applications cover more than 193,000 homes and businesses.