On Tuesday, Sept 10, MSU joined the Quello Center and Merit Network to celebrate the success of a partnership that took a critical step in closing the digital divide in the State of Michigan.
Held in WKAR Studio A on MSU’s Campus, the celebration marked the completion of Project MOON-Light, a joint effort between the Quello Center, Merit Network, and MSU. Funded by a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the multi-million-dollar broadband infrastructure program provides thousands of miles of middle-mile fiber across 74 counties in Michigan.
“Project MOON-Light is a massive upgrade to the internet infrastructure of the State of Michigan. It will enable local internet service providers to provide better, more reliable, and cheaper service to unserved and underserved households and businesses,” said Johannes M. Bauer, Professor of Media and Information and Director of the Quello Center. As one of the major contributors to the Project MOON-Light NTIA grant proposal, he added, “It will have ripple effects economically and socially for years to come. It is a fantastic collaboration between three units: Michigan State University, Merit Network, and the Quello Center.”
“The MOON-Light initiative is a wonderful example of a transformational project that brings Internet access across Michigan communities. It is a foundational asset and a true force-multiplier for upcoming ISP last-mile projects,” said Merit Network CEO Roger Blake. “We are privileged to partner with Michigan State University and the MSU Quello Center and last-mile network operator partners on this initiative that is one of the first-of-its-kind in the nation and now connects over 28,000 previously unserved households.”
Unlike closed (private) infrastructure that offers services from a single service provider to residents, the MOON-Light network provides regional connectivity through an open-access network open to multiple providers. They leverage the infrastructure to offer high-capacity broadband services to residents and businesses.
“This project is a major step towards eliminating disparities in academic achievement associated with inequalities in broadband access. All Michiganders will now have more opportunity to fully participate in the education system, engage with their communities, and to pursue new paths to economic opportunity,” said Keith Hampton, Interim Director of the Quello Center and another collaborator in the proposal.
“Closing the digital divide is essential to the future success of our state and our young people,” MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. said. “When we partner together to solve our state’s most pressing challenges, we create a place that is full of opportunity – for all people and businesses. This partnership is a prime example of MSU’s proud role as a land grant university.”
For more information about MOON-Light and to watch a recording of the event visit merit.edu/initiatives/moon-light/.
