Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) has secured a major middle-mile broadband infrastructure grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that will improve the resiliency of Michigan’s internet network and help expand broadband connectivity to un/underserved areas of the state. The $87 million project includes a $61.2 million grant from the NTIA Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. PFN and its partner 123NET will match 30% of the grant funding by investing $26 million in the project.

The project includes three routes crossing Michigan’s lakes, unserved and underserved counties, and towns to bring middle-mile infrastructure to over 35,000 homes in need of broadband internet connection. The installation of under-sea fiber optic cables creates additional resiliency for Michigan’s broadband network by connecting Michigan’s Peninsulas and connecting Michigan to a neighboring state's major city and major Internet Exchange Point.