Michigan High-Speed Internet Office opens BEAD program application period on Jan. 9 to bridge digital divide

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. 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.