WASHINGTON, DC -- Some underserved areas of Northern Michigan are getting broadband internet access.
An infrastructure grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration was given to Merit Network Inc. through the economic stimulus bill.
Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) said that the purpose of the grant was to "enhance educational opportunities for students, make businesses more competitive and allow health care and public safety agencies to do their jobs more effectively."
More than 1,200 miles of fiber optic cord will be installed in the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsulas, and the grant is expected to help retain or create almost 950 jobs.
The new network will give broadband access to an additional 733,000 households and more than 45,000 businesses.
The grant will impact Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newawgo, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford Counties in the northern Lower Peninsula and Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Mackinac, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft Counties in the Upper Peninsula.
