Pontiac, Detroit, Hamtramck focus of MSU broadband project

Pontiac will be one of the first cities to receive more computers and better Internet service thanks to a $6 million program Michigan State University plans to launch later this fall.

The Oakland County seat, along with Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park, will receive dozens of computers for local libraries, public housing centers, community centers and community colleges. This will include both desktops and laptops, along with faster Wi-Fi connections at these facilities.

"It will be a matter of computers popping up all over the place in the Detroit area," says Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University. "It will add up to about 70 locations in total over the first year." He adds that Metro Detroit will receive about a third of the $6 million federal stimulus grant funding the program.

The entire program expects to install 2,232 computers in 207 locations in Metro Detroit, Benton Harbor, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights and Flint. Organizers expect the new computers and increased access to the Internet will allow residents in these areas greater access to education, job training and job searchers/applications rooted in the new economy. The money will also help Michigan expand its e-Library program services.

Michigan State has already begun the process of implementing these computer/broadband Internet resources and training local people how to use them. The first round of funding worth $1 million began installing 500 computers in 88 libraries across the state, primarily in rural areas that will serve an extra 13,000 people.

Source: Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University
Writer: Jon Zemke

Pontiac, Detroit, Hamtramck focus of MSU broadband project

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