Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II Announces the Approval of Michigan’s First-Ever Digital Equity Plan

Landmark approval instills Michigan's commitment to eliminating state’s digital divide

Lansing, Mich.—Today, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) announced the approval of Michigan’s first-ever Digital Equity Plan by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This landmark approval marks a significant step forward in Michigan's commitment to eliminating the digital divide and ensuring that every Michigan resident has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. 

“Every Michigander deserves access to affordable, fast internet, and the approval of Michigan’s first-ever Digital Equity Plan will help us more efficiently and effectively connect more individuals, families, and small business owners,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The development of this plan will help us understand better where we need to target resources and make investments and how we can ensure a level playing field for every Michigander no matter where they live. I applaud the Michigan High Speed Internet Office for getting this done, and Governor Whitmer and I look forward to continued work to ensure every Michigander can connect to opportunity and potential through affordable, fast internet.” 

The development of the Michigan Digital Equity Plan was a community-driven process, informed by feedback from over 800 residents across Michigan during MIHI’s 41 stop MI Connected Future statewide tour. This extensive engagement effort highlighted the broadband barriers many Michiganders face when it comes to high-speed internet, including affordability of service, availability of service, digital skills and the affordability of internet enabled devices. With the vision of achieving a digitally equitable state by 2030, the plan outlines a comprehensive approach to address these barriers in Michigan. 

“The MIHI Office is proud to lead this effort to ensure digital equity for all Michigan residents”, said Eric Frederick, Michigan’s chief connectivity officer. “This plan is a blueprint for empowering Michiganders with the digital tools and access the necessary resources to succeed in today’s digital world.” 

The Michigan Digital Equity Plan includes a holistic approach to closing gaps in education, healthcare, workforce development and civic engagement, which culminates the future implementation of a state-wide Digital Navigator Resource Network to support capacity building for communities to meet the needs of their residents throughout the state. This week, the NTIA announced more than $20M will be awarded to Michigan through the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The plan approval by the NTIA and the funding from the Capacity Grant Program enables MIHI to begin the implementation of the plan and make these initiatives a reality.  

“MIHI approaches digital equity holistically and we are looking forward to working with communities to close the digital divide once and for all,” said Allie Herkenroder, Michigan’s digital equity director. “This plan could not exist without the support and involvement from Michiganders everywhere and we are excited to usher in an era of digital inclusion for Michigan.”    

For more information on the Michigan Digital Equity Plan and other digital equity and inclusion resources, visit Michigan.gov/MIHI.