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Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
As of 2023, close to 500,000 households are unserved or underserved by high-speed internet infrastructure and another 730,000 households face barriers related to a combination of affordability, adoption, device access and digital literacy. This means approximately 30% of Michigan households do not have an affordable, reliable high-speed internet connection that meets their needs. Michigan received $1.559 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding to close the digital divide.
The first step to implement BEAD was the creation of the Five-Year Action Plan. The Action Plan describes our vision for how the BEAD Program will be implemented and lead us towards availability of high-speed internet access for all Michiganders.
Read the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) recently completed the BEAD State Challenge Process to determine the unserved and underserved locations that are eligible to be connected with BEAD funding. The State Challenge Process was one step of the steps required by the NTIA in the BEAD Program. Completing this challenge process will ultimately enable the universal availability of high-speed internet to every home, business, and institution across the state.
Visit the BEAD State Challenge Website
Michigan has designed a unique subgrant program to award the state’s BEAD $1.559 billion funding allocation, which is described in Initial Proposal Volume II. Click the button below to access the version of Initial Proposal Volume II that was approved by NTIA.
Read Michigan's BEAD Subgrant Process
MIHI has created a robust BEAD Grant Application website to assist potential program applicants in determining BEAD eligible locations, completing pre-registration and submitting project applications.
Visit the BEAD Grant Application Website
MIHI recently hosted an informational webinar on the progress of the BEAD program to date. Click the button below to view the webinar.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
BEAD Program Overview
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What is BEAD?
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How much money will Michigan receive through BEAD?
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Who will benefit from BEAD?
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How does BEAD work?
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What makes BEAD different than other high-speed internet grant programs?
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How are unserved, underserved and served defined for homes and businesses?
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What about institutions like schools and libraries?
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What is a “reliable high-speed internet connection” or “reliable technology”?
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How do we know what locations are unserved or underserved?
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Will BEAD funding be enough to connect everyone?
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How long will it take?
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Will BEAD fix my poor cellular coverage?
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What if high-speed internet infrastructure is available at my location, but I can’t afford service, can’t afford a digital device or don’t know how to use it?
BEAD Subgrantee Selection
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What are subgrantees?
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Who can be a BEAD subgrantee?
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What are the dates for grant pre-registration and application?
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Will there be multiple application rounds for grants?
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What are Priority and Non-Priority Projects?
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Why is fiber-optic technology a priority?
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How will applicants define their project areas?
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What are the matching requirements for BEAD?
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What is a high-cost area?
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Can matching funds be provided in any form other than cash? What are allowable in-kind contributions?
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Are BEAD funds only restricted for use on last-mile broadband deployment? May funds be used for middle mile infrastructure?
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What are the requirements to demonstrate compliance with fair labor practices?
Getting Involved
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How can I get involved?
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I’m a Michigan Resident: what role can I play in BEAD?
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I’m an Internet Service Provider: what role can I play in BEAD?
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I’m a local unit of government: what role can I play in BEAD?
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I’m a Community Anchor Institution (CAI): what role can I play in BEAD?
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I’m a nonprofit organization: what role can I play in BEAD?
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I’m a Tribal Nation: what role can I play in BEAD?