BEAD program draws strong interest during first application window

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is advancing efforts to extend broadband coverage to every home, business and community anchor institution across Michigan with the announcement of the preliminary results of the first project application period for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Starting Jan. 9 and ending on April 9, internet service providers, communities and eligible participants had the opportunity to submit project applications to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved locations across Michigan.

By enabling access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, the BEAD program will unlock opportunities in education, healthcare and economic growth for more Michiganders through access to high-speed internet. The first round brought in 392 applications from 32 applicants seeking to build high-speed fiber-optic service. Their applications cover more than 193,000 homes and businesses. 

“The response we received to the first BEAD application round is incredible,” said Eric Frederick, Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer. “It is exciting to see Michigan’s internet service provider community bring their enthusiasm for connecting every corner of the state through the BEAD program.”

BEAD, the largest high-speed internet infrastructure investment in U.S. history, is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Michigan 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. Successful applicants will receive funding to construct networks that meet Michigan’s connectivity needs for the next 30 years and beyond.

Guided by robust community engagement and collaboration, MIHI crafted the BEAD program to ensure lasting benefits for Michigan’s economy, educational systems and overall quality of life. In addition to funding broadband infrastructure, the BEAD program addresses affordability, digital skills and device access to ensure sustainable, equitable connectivity for all residents.

MIHI is now working to review and score applications. After this step, MIHI will resolve any overlaps and work with the selected applicants to finalize agreements. A second BEAD project application period is anticipated in order to receive applications for projects that connect the remaining BEAD-eligible locations that were not included in round one project proposals. More information on the second round is forthcoming.

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