Michigan Secures Historic $1.47 Billion Investment to Expand High-Speed Internet Access
December 9, 2025
Article written by Francesa Rocco-Ellis for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), announced a groundbreaking investment to expand high-speed internet access across the state. Michigan has received $920 million in federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity highlighted is the largest investment in internet infrastructure in Michigan’s history and a milestone for the nation. Combined with $550 million in private-sector matching funds, the total investment will reach $1.47 billion.
“Expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet opens doors to jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity,” said Governor Whitmer. “This historic funding ensures that no matter where someone lives or works, they have the connectivity they need to thrive.”
Michigan ranks third nationally for BEAD-eligible locations, highlighting the urgent need for expanded connectivity. The funding will connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and institutions and deploy more than 31,000 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure over the next four years, focusing on unserved and underserved areas.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist emphasized the impact: “Affordable, fast internet helps Michiganders access health, wealth, and opportunity. This award builds on our work to connect more than 33,000 homes and businesses and ensures every Michigander can succeed without breaking the bank.”
Eric Frederick, MIHI’s Chief Connectivity Officer, added: “Reliable internet is no longer a luxury – it’s essential. This investment supports education, healthcare, job applications, and more, while creating jobs to build the infrastructure.”
In addition to BEAD, MIHI’s ROBIN program has already connected over 33,000 homes and businesses and will add another 50,000 connections by 2026.
For more information on MIHI’s efforts to create a digitally equitable Michigan, visit michigan.gov/MIHI.
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