Marquette, Mich. – Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) announced today that it has been awarded a major federal grant to install broadband infrastructure in three areas across the state of Michigan. One of those three areas will be of high interest to us, here in the Upper Peninsula. As depicted in the graphic, There will be a new run for “middle mile” broadband infrastructure going from Gaylord to Gulliver! This being one of the first steps in expanding Upper Michigan’s online network to all.
“Middle mile” broadband infrastructure refers to the intermediate fiber optic connections that serve as the backbone of internet connectivity. Once installed, the connections allow for the eventual expansion of local broadband service.
This is a huge step in the right direction for Michigan, and something that’s been of constant concern for awhile now. Rural Michigan communities, and even rural-suburb, have long gone without reliable internet connections that have limited their connectivity to the rest of the state, nation and world. The accessibility to reliable internet is almost a need these days. Many of us who grew up in areas like these know the pain of unreliable connectivity in times where it is crucial. Paying bills on time, staying connected with family, or expanding a business are just a few of the problems with unreliable internet. With the new federal investment in a project this big, rural & rural-suburban Michigan will begin to equip itself to take steps out of the woods and into the modern digital age.
This project is estimated at $87 million, which includes a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of $61.2 million. PFN agreed to match 30% of the grant’s funding. They will be contributing $26 million themselves to the expansion of Michigan’s network.
Big news for us yoopers living outside of major towns like Marquette! It’ll be great to see how this develops while being implemented in our U.P. communities.
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