FCC Announces Millions In Broadband Funding For Michigan

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The Federal Communications Commission has authorized nearly $33 million in funding to expand broadband internet around Michigan. Southwest Michigan will receive $2.6 million over ten years as part of the allocation announced this week. It’s expected to expand high-speed internet to nearly 2,400 homes and businesses in the region. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he’s pleased.

“You gotta have broadband,” Upton said. “I worked with the FCC. We got millions of dollars not only for Michigan, but southwest Michigan as well. We don’t want to be left behind, particularly in rural areas. So this was really good news that we have a couple of providers that are going to get assistance to ensure that more communities are going to be included with broadband.”

In the Sixth District, Mercury Wireless Indiana is receiving funding for broadband expansion in Berrien, Cass, and Saint Joseph counties. Midwest Energy Cooperative is also getting funds for Cass, Kalamazoo, Saint Joseph, and Van Buren counties. Upton says this allocation will help expand 5G wireless. The announcement from the FCC is part of the third wave of support from last year’s Connect America Fund Phase II auction.