Closing the digital gap: High-speed internet to reach all of Midland County by 2029

Reliable internet access has become essential to daily life, shaping how people learn, work and access healthcare. From online classrooms and telehealth appointments to job applications and remote work, much of modern life now depends on being connected.

That growing reliance on internet access is driving a major broadband expansion in Midland County, where officials say every household is expected to have access to high-speed internet by the end of 2029.

The expansion is part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, known as BEAD. Michigan has received $920 million in federal funds to bring high-speed internet to areas that are still unserved or underserved. Internet service providers will contribute an additional $550 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment in Michigan’s broadband infrastructure to $1.47 billion — the largest such investment in state and national history.

BEAD is intended to bring reliable internet service to places that have been left behind as coverage expanded in more populated parts of the state.

In Midland County, 5,403 households are still considered unserved or underserved. Of those, 2,968 locations are already covered by previous broadband programs and are currently being addressed by existing providers. The remaining 2,435 locations, roughly 7 percent of total county locations, are now covered under the BEAD program.

Ten internet service providers were selected for BEAD funding in Midland County, with about 20 percent being satellite-based. Each must sign a contract with the state and complete their work by December 2029, to ensure high-speed internet access throughout the county by that deadline.

“We’re committed to expanding opportunity in every corner of the state, and we know that access to reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury,” says Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer for the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. “This funding will help us continue building critical infrastructure allowing us to bring high-speed internet statewide.”

The Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee (MCICC) was formed in 2019 with the mission to provide high-speed internet in Midland County, which is critical for the community to thrive. The goal is to provide all Midland County households, businesses and schools with access to affordable, quality broadband. The committee works with industry experts to identify high-priority areas and cost-efficient measures to deliver high-speed internet to significant portions of the population, helping to close the digital divide.

The committee is a collaboration between the Midland Business Alliance, Midland Area Community Foundation, Midland County and other community representatives.

Local leaders say the committee’s work has been essential in preparing for the BEAD rollout and ensuring the county is ready to receive funding and coordinate with providers.

MCICC has helped coordinate the local effort, assisting with funding applications and providing accurate broadband coverage data to the state.

“Moving forward, the MCICC will work to help facilitate the efficient delivery of services with ISPs,” says Bridgette Gransden, Midland County administrator and controller. “We want to ensure high-speed internet is delivered as fast and affordable as possible to every Midland County resident.”

Officials say the investment is not just about coverage, but also about affordability and long-term sustainability. With multiple providers working in Midland County, residents could benefit from competition that drives pricing down and improves service quality.

“Having multiple ISPs working in Midland County will be positive long-term as it will provide competition and keep costs reasonable,” says Tony Stamas, president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance.

The rollout is expected to happen in phases, with construction and installation taking place over several years. The timeline for each provider will depend on the specific infrastructure needed, terrain, and existing service levels in different parts of the county.

As the county prepares for this shift, officials say communication and coordination will be key. The MCICC will continue to act as a liaison between providers and local communities, ensuring projects move forward and that residents understand when and how service will be available in their area.

“We are excited that there is a clear path forward for access to high-speed internet for everyone in Midland County,” says Sharon Mortensen, president and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. “Having affordable internet at acceptable speeds is an essential need in today’s world.”

Reliable internet access has become increasingly important as education, healthcare and employment move online. Students use online platforms for coursework, homework submission, and communication with teachers. 

Adults pursuing higher education or job training often rely on online classes and resources. Patients use telehealth and online portals to manage care, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions. Job seekers apply, interview and complete training through online systems. Even local government services, bill payments and community updates are now primarily handled online.

Residents can check broadband coverage by address using the Michigan Broadband Map at michiganbroadbandmap.com. Additional updates will be shared through the Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee.