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From the Chief Connectivity Officer
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 In
our last email update, we shared the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) newly released National Broadband Map. Because high-speed internet is not available to nearly half a million homes in Michigan, we continue to urge every Michigander to check their
home and business address on the preliminary broadband map to ensure it accurately reflects their level of internet access.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will use the finalized maps to help determine future broadband expansion efforts and billions in grant funding to close the digital
divide in communities across the country.
Here’s how to access the FCC broadband map:
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Visit
FCC broadband map here, then type in an address and see if the reported coverage is accurate. You can access the site from a computer or a mobile device.
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Residents can submit a challenge by clicking “Location Challenge” if the location of their home or business is missing or incorrect, or “Availability Challenge” if the internet service information
is incorrect.
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Residents should visit the website of any internet service provider that claims to serve their location and use the website's "Check Availability" or similar tool to determine if the provider
can serve their location.
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If they can't, a screenshot of their website can be submitted to the FCC as evidence for an Availability Challenge.
The FCC also allows local governments, tribal governments and other stakeholders to file bulk challenges for multiple locations on behalf of their communities.
To ensure an accurate map is used for funding decisions, all challenges must be submitted by January 13, 2023.
The
FCC Broadband Data Collection Help Center has a wealth of information on the methodology and data contained on the map, including resources for those looking to challenge the map data. Consumers can
follow the instructions on how to file an availability challenge using the new map here.
Governmental entities can access the underlying broadband serviceable location fabric that forms the foundation for the address locations on the map.
Data can be downloaded here for various geographies by speed for comparison.
Our team is encouraging consumers, communities and any others with a stake in broadband availability to submit challenges to the FCC map if a discrepancy is found. Having an accurate federal
map will ensure that Michigan receives its equitable share of funding through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program to invest in achieving universal broadband availability for all Michiganders.
Sincerely,
Eric Frederick
Chief Connectivity Officer
Michigan High-Speed Internet Office
Leo-mihighspeedinternet@michigan.gov
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Program Updates
The MIHI Office is tasked with implementing three federally funded programs. These programs are described below. Stay tuned for more information as these programs are developed.
ROBIN Program: In early 2022, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature passed the Building Michigan
Together Plan, Public Act 53 of 2022. The plan includes the appropriation of $250.6 million in federal Capital Projects Fund resources to expand high-speed internet service to unserved locations in the state. On Oct. 7, the United States Treasury announced
the approval of Michigan’s plan for the use of these funds.
View the ROBIN Fact Sheet to learn more.
The MIHI Office plans to open the application window for the ROBIN Program the week of Jan. 9. Between now and Jan., MIHI will publish the draft program guidance for ROBIN along with a geospatial
tool for applicants to identify potentially eligible locations for the program. Be on the lookout for additional communications regarding these two program updates.
In the News
Inside
the effort to make Washtenaw County the 1st in Michigan with universal broadband
County
board to host broadband work session
What
Is the FCC's New Broadband Map and Why Does it Matter?
Tell
FCC if they got something wrong
Broadband
development nearly 2/3 complete in Manistee County
With
grants becoming available, Branch County sends out RFP’s for broadband project
Check
out the FCC's broadband map, future expansion riding on it
Resources
Join
the Michigan Statewide Digital Inclusion Database. MIHI is creating an inventory of organizations and facilities that are providing digital inclusion services. If you provide public access to computers, digital literacy training, cybersafety training
or other similar services,
click here to join our growing network of practitioners and providers across the state.
Apply
to host a Regional Broadband Navigator. The Regional Broadband Navigator Grant Program seeks to provide Economic Development Organizations and other regional entities with funding to support a broadband-focused staff member to assist in coordination,
development, capacity building and executive of broadband planning.
Apply for funding to support a navigator in your region here.
Maps
of broadband service availability can help identify gaps in your community – check them out here.
Nearly 1.7 million Michigan households are estimated to qualify for the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) from the FCC, but only 30% of qualifying households participate. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per
month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. Eligible
households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an
online application here or mail in application.
Protect the important devices and people in your life with Michigan Secure, the free security app only for Michigan residents. Michigan Secure helps protect you from unsecure Wi-Fi networks,
phishing emails, unsafe apps and more.
Learn more about Michigan Secure here.
The USDA Rural Utility Service is accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program. This $60M federal program seeks to promote equity and economic opportunity
in rural areas through the use of advanced telecommunications technology.
Learn more about the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program here.
Please forward this newsletter to others that may be interested. Please send any questions to: LEO-MIHighSpeedInternet@michigan.gov.
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