MI Connected Future listening tour comes to Pontiac

The Michigan High Speed Internet Office (MIHI) continued their MI Connected Future statewide listening tour Thursday, aimed at collecting input from Michigan residents on how best to prioritize an estimated $1.6 billion the state will receive to deliver affordable, equitable and reliable high-speed internet service throughout the state with a stop at Bowens Senior Center.  

With more than 30% of homes and businesses who don’t have access to, can’t afford or are missing the skills and technology needed for an internet connection, the state is using a whole government approach working towards the goal of connecting every person and institution in the state to high-speed internet in the next four years. The MI Connected Future tour will allow Michiganders to make their voices heard on how these funds are spent.

“Every region and every community in our state has unique needs when it comes to getting everyone connected”, said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Our MIHI Office has hit the ground running to complete this very ambitious tour to ensure we tackle any obstacles that stand in the way of getting Michigan citizens connected affordable, high-speed internet.”

MIHI seeks community input and feedback about the internet needs which are most important to the state’s communities, especially topics like affordability, accessibility, digital skills development and access to internet enabled devices. Attendees can look forward to being active participants in the development of the Michigan Five-Year Action Plan and the Michigan Digital Equity Plan.  

"The mission of our office is to create a more digitally equitable state where every Michigander can leverage technology to improve their quality of life," said Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer for the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. "We can't achieve digital equity without listening to every community and every voice to better understand the needs and aspirations of our state. Investments of this scale start with a good plan, and that's why this community tour is a critical step in our process."

The event was held at Bowens Senior Center, who provides a wide variety of activities for all ages in the community and uses broadband specifically for computer classes they provide to educate the community.

"Having the MI Connected Future tour stop at our facility is a great way to have our community’s voice heard”, said Angela Powell, community relations specialist with the City of Pontiac. “Our center provides activities for all ages in Pontiac and surrounding areas; having equal access to affordable, high-speed internet among all our members will remove the digital divide and create more opportunities for all.”

This investment is made available through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

To learn more about the MI Connected Future Tour and register to attend future events, visit www.michigan.gov/MIConnectedFuture.