By: Michigan Radio
08/16/2018

Michigan is lagging in broadband availability. The state is ranked 30th in the nation, and more than 350,000 households — mostly in rural areas — don’t have access to that vital service.

In 2018, people who don’t have effective, high-speed internet may not have access to news, social, job connections, schoolwork, health care, and so much more.

This week, Governor Snyder released the Michigan Broadband Roadmap. It was put together by the Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks (MCAN).

The group’s main goal is to provide access to high-speed internet to every Michigan resident, business, region, and community.

Eric Frederick is executive director of Connect Michigan, a non-profit group working to expand broadband throughout the state. He talked to Stateside about the impact limited broadband access has on Michiganders, and possible solutions.

“We can take a look at how the state and other public entities have really gotten behind this mission,” said Frederick. “We’ve found that where we get best results at a local level is through public, private partnerships. So, it’s not just the private sector responsible for expanding infrastructure, and it’s not just the public sector. It’s about both of those entities coming together and really understanding each other to expand.”

Listen above to hear more about what the roadmap from MCAN proposes, and what closing the broadband gap would mean for the state’s economy.

Click here to read the original blog post on Michigan Radio