Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is designed to ensure that every home, business, and community anchor institution in Michigan will have access to a high-speed internet connection. The program aims to connect unserved and underserved locations and address issues of affordability, device access, and digital skills.

Eligible applicants include cooperatives, nonprofits, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utilities, and local units of governments. Applicants must be able to deploy reliable high-speed internet infrastructure (fiber-optic, coaxial cable, or licensed fixed wireless) to connect unserved and underserved locations.

Projects are categorized as Priority Projects (end-to-end fiber networks delivering at least 1/1 Gbps) or Non-Priority Projects (fiber, cable, or licensed fixed wireless delivering at least 100/20 Mbps). The program prioritizes fiber-optic technology. Applicants define project areas using a 1.5-mile hexagonal grid.

Michigan's BEAD Program utilized a two-step application process: pre-registration and project application. Pre-registration was open from June 28, 2024, through March 10, 2025. Round 1 Project Applications were accepted from January 9, 2025, through April 9, 2025. A subsequent 'Benefit of the Bargain' round accepted registrations from July 7, 2025, to July 21, 2025, and applications from July 21, 2025, to August 4, 2025.