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News for NMU Employees

NMU Center Joins Broadband Initiative

Northern’s Center for Rural Community and Economic Development is working with local groups to bring high-speed Internet to rural communities. The Marquette County Broadband Initiative is composed of the center, the County of Marquette and the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Its mission is to provide broadband throughout the county.

To make this goal a reality, the Broadband Initiative is partnering with Connect Michigan, a public-private entity that works on broadband mapping and planning throughout the state. One step is to compile information previously gathered to complete a community assessment.

 

“Access to broadband is an essential component to rural economic development,” said Bob Eslinger of NMU’s Center for Rural Community and Economic Development. “Assisting local communities, residents and business owners in understanding the broadband infrastructure that exists and future development plans will help guide future decisions and opportunities for all. I’m pleased to be working with the County of Marquette and the Lake Superior Community Partnership to bring this program to Marquette County.”

             

The initiative will create a plan with area partners to address future deployment of broadband to underserved areas.