CRAWFORD COUNTY – The
Michigan Public Service Commission commended Crawford County for becoming the latest
Michigan community to be certified asconnected, meaning the county has developed a broadband and technology
plan to expand broadband access, adoption and use.
“Michigan now has 14 communities
that have achieved the important ‘connected’ broadband distinction,” said MPSC
Chairman John D. Quackenbush. “As communities that have completed the broadband certification process, they
understand that their success includes access to reliable high-speed networks,
digital literacy of residents and the use of online resources locally for
business, agriculture, government, and leisure.”
The Crawford County broadband
initiative team worked with Connect Michigan to assess the local broadband
landscape, identify gaps and establish actionable goals and objectives. It
developed a technology action plan with five priorities: performing an analysis of local policies and ordinances;
identifying, mapping and validating broadband demand; completing a vertical
assets inventory; facilitating Internet safety classes; and developing or
identifying a broadband training and awareness program.
Crawford County joins Harbor, Inc. (Emmet County), and Wexford, Gladwin,
Marquette, Charlevoix, Antrim, St. Clair, Roscommon, Livingston, Mecosta,
Clare, Otsego and Ogemaw counties to earn this distinction in Michigan.
Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership
between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation to work
with local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing
broadband access, adoption and use.
For more information on the
Connected Community Engagement Program, visit: www.connectmycommunity.org.
