LANSING, Mich. — Senator Gary Peters urges Congress to extend funding for Affordable Connectivity Program. The Affordable Connectivity Program has witnessed an overwhelming response, with its funds anticipated to run dry in the coming months. In response to this imminent challenge, Senator Gary Peters (D – MI) has taken the initiative to rally support from 31 fellow Senators to urge Congress to extend the funding for this vital program. The Affordable Connectivity Program is instrumental in providing high-speed internet access to over 800,000 households across Michigan.
In a joint letter addressed to Congress, the Senators emphasized the critical need for an extension of funding, deeming it irresponsible to allow the program to falter. They strongly urged Congress to incorporate provisions for continued funding in the upcoming government appropriations package, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a long-term solution that ensures the efficient and prudent utilization of taxpayer dollars.
The complete letter to Congress, jointly signed by the Senators, is available for reference, underscoring the urgency of this matter. This appeal comes in the wake of a significant development in June when Michigan was allocated over $1.5 billion in federal funding through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). The primary objective of this allocation is to enhance high-speed internet accessibility across the state.
Furthermore, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has granted more than $61 million in federal funding to the Peninsula Fiber Network. This substantial investment is aimed at bridging the connectivity gap in unserved and underserved communities, ensuring that they too have access to high-speed internet services.
The Peninsula Fiber Network’s ambitious project entails the installation of 535 miles of new broadband fiber. These additional networks will be linked to high-capacity national and regional networks, extending the reach of high-speed internet to more than 35,000 homes. Senator Gary Peters and his fellow legislators are steadfast in their commitment to fostering equitable access to high-speed internet for all communities in Michigan.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of government support in ensuring that essential services, like high-speed internet, remain accessible to all citizens, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities across the state. As the future unfolds, the efforts of Senator Peters and his colleagues in securing funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of countless Michiganders through improved connectivity and access to vital online resources.
