Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) Grant Program

The Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative administered by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Funded through $238 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, ROBIN aims to bridge Michigan's digital divide by providing financial assistance to expand high-speed internet last-mile and middle-mile infrastructure to unserved locations across the state.

Eligible applicants include internet service providers and public-private partnerships. Eligible projects must construct broadband infrastructure in unserved areas that delivers a minimum service level of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload (100/100 Mbps) to households, businesses, and institutions. Applicants were required to provide matching funds to support overall project costs.

Applications were submitted competitively through the state's Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS), underwent an official challenge process, and were evaluated by the ROBIN Steering Committee. Selected grantees enter into grant agreements requiring compliance with federal Capital Projects Fund reporting rules and state reimbursement requirements, with all project deployments concluding by June 2027.