EUPConnect Broadband Infrastructure Survey Launched

PRESS RELEASE

July 8, 2022

EUPConnect Broadband Infrastructure Survey Launched

Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce Counties, Michigan.

The EUPConnect Collaborative (EUPCC) is leading the way in regional collaboration to ensure broadband access for our rural communities throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP). To identify the gaps in the infrastructure, EUPCC is launching the EUPConnect Broadband Infrastructure Survey. The survey, created in partnership by Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission (EUPRPDC), Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD), and the Merit Network, Michigan Moonshot Initiative is for the purpose of identifying the gaps in broadband infrastructure throughout Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce Counties.

Over the next few weeks, every household in the 3 counties will receive a postcard with instructions on how to participate in the survey. The survey may be completed digitally on the web or a paper survey available by request for those who might not have access. The survey will take about 5-minutes to complete with one response requested for every household, business, vacation, or recreational property with a 911 service address. The results of this short survey will be used to facilitate public-private partnerships which will seek funding from state and federal sources for broadband infrastructure deployment in the region.

The survey will run for 8 weeks with the analysis and full reports completed by mid-October. The information gathered will be used to inform local infrastructure planning development processes to support applications for current and upcoming funding opportunities for broadband infrastructure expansion to every 911 service address. Most importantly, any personal information gathered will only be used to plan for broadband infrastructure expansion, it will not be sold or shared.

To ensure service to everyone, we need to understand where households are not connected because the infrastructure does not exist as well as why households are not connected where the infrastructure does exist. Broad participation in the survey is critical to the success of this effort. Each community member will help plan for a digital, prosperous, and connected future. To support the region-wide effort, when the postcard arrives in your mailbox, participate in the survey and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.

Join EUPConnect on “the mission to 911” to ensure you and your neighbors are fully connected to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband service.

To learn more about the EUPConnect Collaborative, visit the project on the web at: www.eupconnect.org or call the project support number at: 906-259-8300.