Astate grant program is trying to get internet companies interested in offering high-speed services in rural Michigan. We have more from Rick Pluta.
One estimate says Michigan could be missing out on $2.5 billion in economic activity due to the lack of broadband in rural areas.
Pam Matelskidirects the grant program. She says that also affects the quality of health care and education. She says it can be harder for kids in rural areas to do homework.
“In this day and age, you really are relying on having a high-speed internet connection.”
Matelski says there are about 368,000 households in rural Michigan that can’t get affordable high-speed internet. She says the grants won’t get service to every part of the state. But she says they might get more providers interested in trying.
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— Rick Pluta is the Managing Editor and Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
