Merit Network Inc. Receives USDA Grant to expand high-speed internet access for rural Michigan

Merit Network is the recipient of a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for $997,000 to develop a connectivity and digital equity strategy to promote the expansion of high-speed internet in underserved rural Michigan communities. According to the USDA website, “Under the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, USDA is providing $9.7 million to help 24 organizations deliver or receive technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities across 17 states. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas.” Merit Network is proud to be a recipient and to be able to serve more rural communities in need in Michigan. This project leverages the Digital Opportunities Compass framework to develop a community driven digital equity plan inclusive of infrastructure planning.  It includes several communities across eight rural communities of Michigan. Merit targeted communities that aligned with the funding opportunity best and also represented a need for additional resources targeted towards broadband expansion and digital equity planning.