Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of economic recovery efforts statewide. To support that effort, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has also partnered with Connected Nation Michigan (CNMI) to facilitate the Connecting Michigan Taskforce.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and The Connecting Michigan Taskforce are encouraging participation in a new federal program to help lower the cost of broadband for eligible households across the state. Enrollment for this program is now open.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a new program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is making $3.2 billion available nationwide to provide broadband discounts for eligible households an opportunity to help make critical high-speed internet more affordable for Michiganders.

The EBB program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying tribal lands.  The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at www.getemergencybroadband.org. Mail-in applications will also be available.  Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at  www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or by calling (833) 511-0311 between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. any day of the week.

To learn more about the Connecting Michigan Task Force and broadband initiatives in Michigan, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/broadband.

Available Resources

• Application Link
• EBB Outreach Toolkit 
• Consumer FAQ
• Participating Providers Look Up Tool
• MPSC COVID Assistance Page (including EBB Program)
• FCC Webinar (taped and providing information on the EBB)
• Connecting Michigan Communities Webinar (EBB is discussed and provides to questions you may have)