LANSING — The Michigan Public Service Commission Thursday announced that Crawford County had become the latest Michigan community to be certified as a “connected community” that has developed a broadband and technology plan to expand broadband access, adoption and use.
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 is in the center of the northern Lower Peninsula. Its county seat is Grayling and its population in the 2010 census was 14,074.
Crawford County joins Emmet, 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 the broadband advocacy group 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.