MASON COUNTY — The Chamber Alliance of Mason County is encouraging all Mason County residents and businesses to confirm or challenge their access to high-speed internet.
Residents with unreliable, slow or no internet access in particular are are asked to check their addresses on the map at merit.edu/challenge by April 23.
This includes those who have internet at the road but cannot afford the cost to have fiber brought to their residence.
The Michigan High Speed Internet Office has released a new map of reported broadband service for the state and is accepting challenges to the data shown on the maps during this brief challenge period. Once challenges are received, service providers will have the opportunity for rebuttal.
The final decisions will be used to prioritize the funding and timing of broadband expansion using Michigan’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) dollars.
“Michigan is fortunate to have received more than $1.5 billion to build out internet infrastructure, but we don’t want Mason County left behind if the existing map makes our internet access and service look better than it actually may be in spots,” said Kristi Lucas-Zimmerman, economic development Director for Mason County at the Chamber Alliance.
“It’s imperative that residents and businesses check their address on the MIHI portal and make sure it accurately represents the internet service available to them.”
Local units of government have also been encouraged to review the area of the map representing their community in order to make direct challenges to the Michigan High Speed Internet Office through a separate link.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
