Helping Michigan:
- Merit's proposal
will support
local ISPs.
- Michigan's underserved
areas will have
more choices and
better service.
- Every sector of society
stands to benefit:
homes, businesses,
community anchors.
- REACH-3MC will create
a substantial footprint
that any project
can build off of
in the future with
efficiency and ease.
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Merit ARRA Efforts Update
By Don Welch - October 27, 2009
In August, Merit Network, Inc. submitted the REACH-3MC (REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative) proposal for consideration under the NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The Collaborative engages four partners from the private sector, and is designed to work in coordination with three other ARRA broadband proposals. Parties will own strands of fiber in a shared infrastructure.
REACH-3MC is a middle mile project that focuses on underserved regions in 32 counties with an approach that will benefit all sectors of society. Homes, businesses, health care, schools, libraries and other anchor institutions will have access to more connectivity options at lower costs.
REACH-3MC was recently recognized as one of three middle mile project proposals in Michigan to receive priority from Governor Granholm and the Michigan Department of Technology (MDIT). That means our proposal has passed the initial phase of the application process and will begin review by NTIA officials.
Read rest of "Merit ARRA Efforts Update."
How Broadband Stimulus Could Help Michigan: Talking to Merit Network
By Michael Dinan, TMCnet Editor - October 26, 2009
Since the financial markets collapsed late last summer, no state in the Union—not even New York, home to Wall Street itself—has received more scrutiny from politicians and media than Michigan, home of the "big three" auto makers, eventual seekers of taxpayer funds.
That scrutiny yielded some hard-to-swallow facts for a state that long has relied on and answered the need for a strong manufacturing base.
Yet, as one applicant for federal funding under the broadband stimulus program told TMCnet in an interview, it's critical now for the Wolverine State to transition from an industrial-based economy to one that addresses a digital, information and service-based marketplace.
"Broadband access is a critical component for economic development, and our proposal will deliver high-performance connectivity to businesses in regions where it is currently unavailable," Donald Welch, president and CEO of Merit Network, Inc.
Read rest of TCM's article "How Broadband Stimulus Could Help Michigan: Talking to Merit Network."
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