{"id":22086,"date":"2025-06-20T17:59:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T17:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigancentral.com\/?p=22086"},"modified":"2025-06-20T17:59:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T17:59:24","slug":"the-equitable-internet-initiative-and-michigan-central-partner-to-expand-low-cost-internet-to-southwest-detroit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigancentral.com\/the-equitable-internet-initiative-and-michigan-central-partner-to-expand-low-cost-internet-to-southwest-detroit\/","title":{"rendered":"The Equitable Internet Initiative and Michigan Central Partner to Expand Low-Cost Internet to Southwest Detroit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Detroit, MI \u2014 June 20, 2025 \u2014 <\/b>Michigan Central today announced a landmark partnership with the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) to bring affordable, high-speed internet access to the Corktown neighborhood and greater Southwest Detroit community. This collaboration\u2014known as the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative at Michigan Central (EII SWD)\u2014marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity for local residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the tallest building in the neighborhood, the rooftop of The Station at Michigan Central has been outfitted with light-weight and low-power wireless radio equipment that ensures unobstructed, reliable connectivity to reach more than 4,500 households in the surrounding neighborhoods. The initiative specifically aims to connect at least 200 new households annually, with a five-year goal of reaching 675 households.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichigan Central is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone in our community,\u201d said Cornetta Lane-Smith, Director of Community Engagement at Michigan Central. \u201cAccess to the internet is a fundamental need in today\u2019s economy, and through our partnership with EII, we\u2019re ensuring that Southwest Detroit residents have the tools they need to thrive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The EII\u2014created in 2015\u2014is a community-governed internet service focused on prioritizing affordability, resilience, and community empowerment. EII\u2019s work has already transformed several Detroit neighborhoods by providing high-speed internet access, and digital literacy training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe the internet should be a public good that uplifts communities, not leave them behind,\u201d said Aldo Medina, EII Digital Technician. \u201cPartnering with Michigan Central allows us, the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative team, to expand our reach and deepen our impact in Southwest Detroit, empowering residents with the connectivity they need to access education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement opportunities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The key features of the EII SWD include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n