MIHI opens BEAD program application period on Jan. 9 to bridge digital divide

LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is advancing efforts to bridge the digital divide with the announcement of the project application period for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Starting Jan. 9, internet service providers, communities and eligible participants will have the opportunity to submit project applications to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved locations across Michigan.

This milestone follows MIHI’s release of BEAD eligible location data, equipping applicants with critical resources to prepare their proposals. By enabling access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, the BEAD program aims to unlock opportunities in education, healthcare and economic growth for more Michiganders.

“This marks a pivotal step in our journey to close the digital divide and build a digitally inclusive Michigan where everyone has access to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Eric Frederick, Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer. “With this application period, we are inviting partners to join us in shaping resilient, future-proof infrastructure that will transform connectivity for generations to come.”

BEAD, the largest high-speed internet infrastructure investment in U.S. history, is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Michigan has secured $1.559 billion, the fourth-largest allocation in the nation, to connect more than 244,000 unserved and underserved locations across all 83 counties.

The competitive grant program invites applicants to propose projects that will deliver scalable, resilient high-speed internet infrastructure. Successful applicants will receive funding to construct networks designed to meet Michigan’s connectivity needs for the next 30 years and beyond.

Key Dates for BEAD Program Applicants:

• Pre-registration period: Open now through March 10, 2025. This is a necessary step for any entity wanting to participate in BEAD in Michigan.

• Project application window: Opens Jan. 9, 2025, and closes April 9, 2025.

In addition to funding infrastructure, the BEAD program addresses affordability, digital skills and device access to ensure sustainable, equitable connectivity for all residents.

Through extensive community input and collaboration, MIHI designed the BEAD program to deliver long-term benefits and support Michigan’s economic growth, education systems, and overall quality of life.

For more information about Michigan’s BEAD Program, including application resources and funding details, visit MIHI’s BEAD Program webpage.