September 13, 2024
Federally-Funded Initiative Creates Michigan Open Optical Network – Leveraging Innovation to Get High-Speed Technology (MOON-Light)
Merit Network and Michigan State University have completed the MOON-Light initiative, a multi-million-dollar project funded by the NTIA Broadband Infrastructure program. This effort established Michigan’s Open Optical Network, addressing critical infrastructure gaps by deploying middle-mile fiber optic technology across 74 counties. By connecting local ISPs, MOON-Light brings affordable, high-speed broadband to underserved areas, benefiting over 28,000 homes. This open-access network model is hailed as a national first, promoting collaboration between nonprofit, cooperative, and commercial ISPs to accelerate broadband access across Michigan, supporting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities statewide.
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Review the slide deck for Moon-Light