MSU EVPA and CIO Melissa Woo joined MSU President Samuel L. Stanley, representatives from the Merit Network and state and federal officials Monday, June 27 to celebrate the kickoff of the Michigan Open Optical Network – Leveraging Innovation to Get High-Speed Technology (MOON-Light) project. Funded by a $10.5 million federal Broadband Infrastructure Program grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), MOON-Light reinforces MSU’s mission to create an equitable pathway for learning.
“MSU is committed to creating a world in which all can thrive, especially Michigan communities,” Woo said. “By receiving the NTIA grant, we’re able to forge a more equitable path forward. This solution enables equal and open access to broadband services to all Michiganders and can be leveraged to deliver education, healthcare, and employment services.”
MOON-Light leverages middle-mile infrastructure to allow internet service providers to make available affordable, high-speed broadband internet to unserved and underserved Michigan communities. The project will directly increase access to high-speed internet to 17,000 Michiganders, which supports aspects of MSU’s strategic plan to promote equity and access.
“High-speed broadband isn’t a luxury anymore,” Woo said. “Leveraging affordable broadband access to maintain quality of life and provide equitable opportunities for all is an imperative.”
Woo said the project will accelerate progress for Michigan and showcases how public/private partnerships can overcome obstacles that can hinder a sole entity’s ability to decrease the digital divide.
Merit Network President and CEO Joe Sawasky said implementation of MOON-Light is expected to take 12 months. “We are proud to partner with Michigan State University and the Quello Center on this initiative that is one of the first of its kind in the country,” Sawasky said. “With non-profit and cooperative organizations working together, we’re uniquely positioned to reduce costs and accelerate broadband projects for both commercial and cooperative ISPs. This project sets a strategic digital foundation for Michigan.”
Read more about the MOON-Light project at msutoday.msu.edu.
