Governor Signs Executive Order to Enhance Broadband Access

Liz Gullett

Feb 02, 2018

This week, Governor Rick Snyder signed an Executive Order seeking to enhance broadband access to more Michigan residents. The order creates the Michigan Consortium for Advanced Networks, which is directed to establish a roadmap to help strengthen statewide broadband access and connectivity. The consortium is directed to identify gaps in broadband service coverage and capacity, current efforts underway to address connectivity issues, and key strategies and recommendations for the state and private sector to pursue to achieve enhanced connectivity. The Consortium will consider recommendations provided by Gov. Snyder’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission’s report and must present a plan by August 1, 2018.

Consortium members will represent government entities, the private sector, academia, and stakeholders. Five members will be appointed by the Governor and two individuals will be nominated by the Michigan Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader. Six additional non-voting members will include:

•The Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, or his or her designee;

•The Director of the Michigan State Police, or his or her designee;

•The Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or his or her designee;

•The Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or his or her designee;

•The Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, or his or her designee; and

•The Director of the Department of Transportation, or his or her designee.

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