Telecommunications & Broadband Expansion

Reliable, affordable communications are essential for every Michigan household and business. In this episode of Behind the Meter: an MPSC Podcast, host Mike Byrne and Commissioner Shaquila Myers are joined by Ryan McAnany, Director of the Telecommunications Division at the Michigan Public Service Commission, and Eric Frederick, Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer with the High-Speed Internet Office, to talk about the state of telecommunications and broadband in Michigan.Together, they break down the progress being made to expand high-speed internet access, the challenges of closing the digital divide, and how programs like Lifeline help make phone and internet services more affordable for those who need them most. The conversation also clears up common questions about what the MPSC does and does not regulate in telecommunications and looks ahead at what residents can expect as Michigan builds a more connected future.Whether you’re in a rural community waiting for better broadband service or simply curious about how telecommunications policy affects your daily life, this episode offers practical insights for every Michigander. Resources:Lifeline: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/telecommunications/lifelineTelecommunications: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/telecommunicationsBroadband Equite, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/funding-opportunities/beadMichigan High-Speed Internet Office: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihiUniversal Service Administrative Co. (USAC): https://www.usac.org/