LANSING, Mich. — The Affordable Connectivity Program has achieved remarkable success, with its funds approaching depletion in the coming months. Faced with this impending challenge, Senator Gary Peters (D – MI) has taken the proactive step of rallying support from 31 fellow Senators to call on Congress to extend funding for this crucial program. The Affordable Connectivity Program plays an integral role in providing high-speed internet access to over 800,000 households across Michigan.
In a united letter addressed to Congress, the Senators stressed the vital importance of extending funding, deeming it irresponsible to allow the program to falter. They strongly urged Congress to include provisions for sustained funding in the upcoming government appropriations package, underscoring the need to establish a long-term solution that guarantees the efficient and prudent utilization of taxpayer dollars.
The complete letter to Congress, collectively signed by the Senators, is accessible for reference, highlighting the urgency of the situation. This plea follows a significant development in June when Michigan was allocated over $1.5 billion in federal funding through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). The primary objective of this allocation is to enhance high-speed internet accessibility across the state.
Additionally, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has granted over $61 million in federal funding to the Peninsula Fiber Network. This substantial investment is intended to bridge the connectivity gap in unserved and underserved communities, ensuring that they, too, have access to high-speed internet services.
The Peninsula Fiber Network’s ambitious project involves the installation of 535 miles of new broadband fiber. These additional networks will be linked to high-capacity national and regional networks, extending high-speed internet access to more than 35,000 homes. Senator Gary Peters and his fellow legislators are unwavering in their commitment to fostering equitable access to high-speed internet for all communities in Michigan.
This initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of government support in ensuring that essential services, like high-speed internet, remain accessible to all citizens, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities across the state. As the future unfolds, Senator Peters’ and his colleagues’ efforts to secure funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of countless Michiganders through improved connectivity and access to vital online resources.
