LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – On Tuesday, more than 100,000 Michiganders got a step closer to having access to high speed internet after the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) announced recommendations for a new program.
The Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program, would provide nearly $240 million in grant money to expand broadband in the state.
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“The ROBIN Grant Program will provide much-needed funding support for the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure to underserved Michigan communities,” Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) said. “These grant dollars will help make internet more affordable for thousands of Michiganders, allowing them greater access to critical resources such as remote education, telemedicine, and online networking and job searching tools.”
The initially approved applications would provide roughly 106,000 homes, businesses and institutions throughout the state to high-speed internet access.
“MIHI is excited to announce the initial recommendations for the ROBIN Grant Program,” Eric Frederick, Michigan’s chief connectivity officer said. “ROBIN is a critical part of Michigan’s broadband expansion plan to the state’s unserved areas and will provide internet service providers and public-private partnerships the funds to develop the broadband infrastructure.”
According to BroadBand research, in the state only 76.3% of residents have high speed Internet service at home, and nearly 5% of residents still have no Internet connection anywhere.
Michigan did not make the top 15 states for best internet access in a 2023 ranking of all the states, including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Washington in the top five slots. Indiana ranked 25th overall, beating out Michigan at 32nd overall, and Ohio occupying the 38th position.
There will be a window of 45 days for the public to make comments on the recommendations from MIHI, from June 16 until July 31.
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