Broadband to be expanded to entire UP through grant

By RALPH ANSAMI

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LANSING — State Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, said the Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded a $6.5 million grant to Northern Michigan University in Marquette to bring high-speed broadband across the entire Upper Peninsula.

“This is great news for the communities in House District 110 that have long struggled without high-speed broadband service. This means entrepreneurs can live here and run their online businesses, and people can choose to stay in the U.P. or realize their dreams of moving to the U.P.,” Dianda said.

The Educational Access Network will provide high-speed Internet. Personal and professional development courses will be offered.

A representative of NMU was in Lansing Tuesday, presenting an expansion plan to the state.

“We have affordable and move-in ready homes and commercial properties available right now. The availability of high-speed broadband will be a game-changer for communities across the U.P.,” Dianda said.

State Rep. John Kivela, D-Marquette, said, “This will be a huge help to residents by making it easier for them to go online. More importantly, this will make a world of difference for entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the Upper Peninsula. The economic value of high-speed broadband can’t be underestimated.

“The availability of high-speed broadband will help us keep our talented youth here in the U.P.,” Kivela said.

The lawmakers didn’t get into any details about exactly how the broadband would be delivered.

Gogebic Community College President Jim Lorenson, on his way to a broadband meeting in the Iron County Courthouse at Hurley Wednesday morning, said he hadn’t heard any details about the grant or the provider. He said he was seeking more information from NMU about the grant.