Benzie County Broadband Initiative
The Benzie Broadband Initiative envisions a future where everyone has access to the tools needed to thrive in today’s connected world.
History
In 2020, Covid-19 exposed the need for accessible, high-speed internet, reigniting the conversations and efforts that had been happening in Benzie County for a decade. Since then, we have made leaps and bounds towards bringing internet access to all. Benzie County has become a leader in rural broadband efforts - and we plan to keep on paving the way. With the $857k Grow Benzie recently received from the state’s MITTEN grant, we set to keep expanding digital access in Benzie County & beyond.
FALL 2022
The Merit Moonshot Survey exposes 73% of Benzie households have inadequate internet. In another study, Benzie residents report broadband as one of their top three issues.
2022
Thanks to the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Charter/Spectrum, Cherry Capital Communications (CCC), & Mercury Broadband expand service plans in Benzie County by 2077 locations.
JUNE 2023
With support from the community, Grow Benzie, and broadband consultant Mitch Shapiro, Cherry Capital Communications receives a $2.86 million ROBIN Grant. The grant would help finance passing fiber to ~5,100 locations (1,428 un- or under-served), with county funding.
OCT 2023
The Benzie Broadband Community (BBC) Task Force convenes. Seventeen organizations come together to begin an eight-month journey to create and present broadband recommendations for the County.
NOV 2023
Michigan announces a challenge program to determine usage of $1.56 billion for internet expansion. In the next few months, the Benzie County BEAD Action Team prepares & submits 130 formal challenges.
MAY 2024
The Task Force finalizes and presents their broadband recommendations, developed with Grow Benzie, Mitch Shapiro, and Merit.
OCT 2024
Merit hosts Michigan Broadband Summit at Crystal Mountain. Benzie County presents at a break-out session and panel discussion, helping guide other regions toward digital equity.
FEBRUARY 2025
Grow Benzie receives a $857,870 digital access grant from the state. On February 28th, 2025, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) announces the 13 recipients of the $10.6 million MITTEN grant to enhance digital equity across the state. Grow Benzie is chosen as the regional support hub for our 10-county region.