Years after COVID-19 revealed gaps, thousands of Northeast Michiganders still lack access to the internet

ALPENA — The Impact of Internet Gaps on Rural and Impoverished Areas in America

The coronavirus pandemic that paralyzed the globe in early 2020 and forced much of life to happen online revealed massive gaps in internet coverage across rural and impoverished parts of America, including Northeast Michigan.

Improvements in Internet Coverage

Since then, there have been some improvements in the area. For example, the Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op has connected 3,800 homes and businesses to its new fiber system since 2022. Additionally, companies like Allband and Centurylink continue to expand fiber to more users in Northeast Michigan.

However, despite millions of dollars in state and federal investments, about a third of the homes and businesses across Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties still lack access to modern internet speeds, according to the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office.

News Photo by Mike Gonzalez
Mia Valley, a nurse at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, shows how a telemedicine cart works on Thursday at the hospital. The cart is used for patients who need to talk with medical officials in other MyMichigan Health facilities.

The State’s Efforts to Connect Everyone

The state aims to connect every home and business in Michigan to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet using nearly $1.6 billion in new federal money. However, this process is expected to continue until 2030.

In the meantime, thousands of families across the region struggle to interact fully with our increasingly digital world. This is particularly challenging for students who are trying to catch up and close the learning gap.

According to Alcona Community Schools Superintendent Dan O’Connor, internet access is almost a non-negotiable at this point, and there has been a lot of talk about internet being a utility, similar to electricity.

The Divide in Internet Access

Many people in Northeast Michigan visit libraries to use public computers or access free Wi-Fi since they lack access or options for internet at home. Libraries serve as a place for basic household tasks, job searches, updating resumes, and other essential online activities.

As of last summer, a significant percentage of homes and businesses in Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties still lacked adequate internet speeds. In comparison, the rest of Michigan had a much lower percentage of homes and businesses without basic internet.

Efforts to Bridge the Gap

America has mostly relied on private companies to build broadband infrastructure, which has left out many smaller towns and rural areas. To address this issue, President Joe Biden’s administration announced $42.5 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program to connect all American homes and businesses to high-speed internet by 2030.

Michigan received just under $1.6 billion, indicating the need for significant work to be done. The state plans to seek bidders, including internet service providers, local governments, and nonprofits, to build the necessary infrastructure.

While the process is expected to take several years, existing programs funded by state and federal initiatives are already working to provide internet access to many homes in Northeast Michigan.

Challenges and Solutions

The state acknowledges that cost is a primary barrier preventing people from signing up for internet services. To address this, the goal is to offer a low-cost internet subscription of $30 per month to low-income households.

The state also plans to leverage federal funds received through the Digital Equity Act to remove other barriers, such as a lack of digital know-how. Partnerships with libraries, schools, and other organizations will help train Michiganders on how to use the internet effectively.

By implementing these strategies, the state aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every resident has access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
• SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 9.1: Percentage of households and businesses with access to reliable and high-speed internet.
• Indicator for SDG 4.4: Percentage of students with access to internet for remote learning.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Percentage of households and businesses in rural and impoverished areas with access to internet.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The indicators listed in the table are based on the information provided in the article.

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Source: thealpenanews.com

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