LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week, the Senate passed the U.S. National Defense bill. The legislation includes $57 million to replace broadband equipment at more than 300 sites across the state. Michigan Senator Gary Peters said it was a priority for him to get the funds included in this year’s bill.
The money is a part of the National Secure Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Plan. Peters explained that cheaper equipment from a Chinese manufacturer was used when many broadband lines were installed. He said the parts were found to have significant security breaches where the Chinese government was able to secure private information. The money will go to remove and replace any at-risk telecommunications equipment produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.
The legislation includes $27 million to help Northern Michigan University upgrade its Educational Access Network. The broadband lines supply high-speed internet access to thousands all across the Upper Peninsula.
“It’s important to note that it’s not just for students, although 7,000 students will now have secure internet access. Currently, over 16,000 families across the U.P. use this system, and now they can feel more secure.” Peters said. “This is so critical for families everywhere, but particularly in rural areas. It is literally a necessity of life to have high-speed broadband and so that is why it is critically important that we expand it as aggressively as we can throughout the Upper Peninsula”
Peters said this was a priority for him to ensure secure broadband for Michigan, and because the funds will help expand existing broadband networks, allowing more people access to online education, medical care, and business tools.
The funds will be delivered next year as a part of the National Defense Bill that sets annual policy for the Department of Defense. Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
