Access to reliable high-speed internet remains a critical issue in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), where many rural areas still need more adequate connectivity. Recognizing the importance of digital inclusion, various stakeholders have launched initiatives to address this gap, ensuring that residents and businesses are included in the digital age.
In 2021, Highline Fast Internet embarked on a mission to connect the most remote parts of the U.P. with fiber-optic internet. Bruce Moore, Highline’s CEO for the Midwest region, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We installed our first Upper Peninsula customer October 15, 2021, and now thousands previously unserved, underserved or unhappily served households are enjoying access to a real internet connection for the first time.”
By April 2023, Highline had expanded its gigabit fiber internet services to over 900 additional homes in areas including Wilson, Spalding, Spalding Township, Powers, and Meyer Township. This expansion marked a significant step toward reducing the digital divide in the region.
Government efforts have complemented these private sector initiatives. In May 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $3 million grant to expand high-speed broadband services in remote and underserved areas across Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. This funding supports the Leveraging Infrastructure for Transforming the Upper Peninsula (LIFT-UP) initiative, which aims to provide middle-mile infrastructure to local internet service providers.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. The U.P.’s rugged terrain and low population density make infrastructure development costly and complex. However, the combined efforts of government programs and private companies like Highline demonstrate a commitment to overcoming these obstacles.
Continued collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to achieve universal high-speed internet access in the Upper Peninsula. Such connectivity is vital for economic development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, ensuring that all residents can fully participate in the digital world.
