Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II Celebrates Biden Administration Paving Way for Michigan to Enhance High-Speed Internet Access

Michiganders encouraged to visit challenge portal to prepare for March 25 State Challenge Process launch

Lansing, Mich.—Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) announced that the Biden Administration has approved Michigan’s proposed State Challenge Process, which will give Michiganders an opportunity to help identify locations across the state that are eligible for high-speed internet infrastructure expansion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

“Every Michigander deserves access to affordable, fast internet, and as Michigan sets the stage to connect more homes, businesses, and communities, the BEAD state challenge process will help us deploy resources more effectively,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “I encourage every Michigander to visit the portal and tell us about unserved or underserved locations. Governor Whitmer and I are proud of our work to connect tens of thousands of locations to affordable, fast internet, and we will continue working to help every Michigander connect to opportunity and potential.” 

“Access to reliable, fast and affordable internet is essential—to help Michiganders apply for a job, access telehealth, run a small business, pay utility bills or stay connected to the world,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “I’m proud to have voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is helping all Michigan families get connected to high-speed internet. In Congress, I will continue to champion legislation to expand access to and lower the cost of internet services for mid-Michigan families.” 

“We worked hard to secure more than one billion dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet to unserved and underserved households across Michigan,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “Even before the pandemic, far too many people in Michigan and communities across our country were disconnected and unable to participate in today’s digital age. BEAD is a once in a generation opportunity to close the digital divide and ensure all families have access to the resources that digital connectivity provides, and this announcement is an important step to bringing our infrastructure into the 21st century.” 

“Expanding broadband access has been a top priority for me, and this gives our state partners the opportunity to examine what it takes to decrease the digital divide,” said Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. “We need to think about internet access as another vital utility, like water and electricity. It’s important for all Michiganders to consistently stay connected, and I’m excited to see the program move forward in the coming months.” 

“Internet access is not a luxury— it’s a necessity, and this historic $1.5B investment will help make sure Michiganders in every corner of our state can access this critical resource,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “Thanks to this investment, we’ll be able to connect more families to work, school, health care, and our nation’s economy. I’m excited to see this project dream become a reality in Michigan—creating more connected communities here in our state.” 

“Approval of Michigan’s Plan under the BEAD Program is a huge step towards ending the digital gap in our state,” said Congressman Shri Thanedar. “It’s an investment in every Michigander’s future, ensuring all have access to opportunities through fast internet. My office fully supports this key effort, moving ahead for the wealth and benefit of our communities.” 

The BEAD program was created thanks to the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the support of many in the Michigan congressional delegation. This past June, the Biden Administration announced that Michigan is receiving a historic $1.559 billion funding allocation for its BEAD program—the fourth highest in the nation. Now through the State Challenge Process, MIHI will identify unserved and underserved homes, businesses and institutions in the state to ensure they can get connected to high-speed internet through the BEAD program.  

Current state maps of internet service are based on existing information from federal and state sources. However, through the State Challenge Process, the state is inviting stakeholders to verify the accuracy of current maps and submit additional information, or “challenges,” where they are incorrect. 

Challenges will be accepted March 25 through April 23 through an interactive State Challenge Portal that MIHI has designed. That portal is now available for anyone in Michigan to preview to see whether their home, business or institution is accurately represented as being served or not. Local units of government, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations and internet service providers can also pre-register for the accounts that they will need to participate in the State Challenge Process. Individual Michiganders do not need an account to provide data about problems they may be experiencing with getting high-speed internet service at their location. The State Challenge Portal will begin accepting challenges and supporting evidence on March 25. MIHI will then review each challenge to ensure no eligible locations are left out of Michigan’s BEAD program. 

“The MIHI team is committed to creating a more digitally equitable Michigan, and we’re excited for the next chapter in Michigan’s BEAD program to help us expand availability of affordable, reliable high-speed internet,” said Eric Frederick, Michigan’s chief connectivity officer. “We encourage local units of government, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations and internet service providers to visit the online challenge portal to register and prepare for the March 25 launch. We also encourage every Michigander to visit the portal and participate in the State Challenge Process once it begins to ensure their location is accounted for in Michigan’s BEAD program.” 

For more information on how to participate in the State BEAD Challenge Process and to view the online portal, visit Michigan.gov/BEADChallenge.