A conversation with Justin Campbell, Project Coordinator at Merit Network, reveals how FLOTO played a crucial role in their recent success submitting broadband data to the Michigan High-Speed Internet (MIHI) Office.
Aerial shot of Beaver Island, Michigan.
In February 2024, Merit Network partnered with the Internet Equity Initiative to deploy FLOTO devices on Beaver Island, Michigan. Their objective was to measure residential broadband performance in an area facing significant connectivity challenges. Beaver Island’s unique situation stems from having only one terrestrial provider that has promised to build out the internet to all homes using federal funding. However, this provider’s inconsistent track record in meeting commitments has left the island ineligible for additional funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, potentially leaving residents without reliable broadband options.
Beaver Island is reported to have 100% broadband coverage on the FCC’s official national broadband map. Residents report a much different reality.
FLOTO proved instrumental in addressing this issue. The devices were used to conduct reliable speed tests across the island, generating data that allowed Merit to submit six challenges to the official broadband coverage data, four of which were accepted by the MIHI Office. Due to MIHI’s progressive rules, accepting these challenges triggered a review of all locations served by this provider on Beaver Island. When the provider failed to respond to any challenges, it created a formal record of the actual state of broadband on the island.
While these challenges won’t directly affect BEAD funding, Campbell emphasized their crucial role in establishing a baseline. The State of Michigan now has official documentation about the true state of broadband on Beaver Island, which can be used to hold the provider accountable for their planned upgrades and ensure that residents receive the service they’ve been promised.
FLOTO deployment locations in Beaver Island are shown on the FLOTO portal.
Campbell highlighted FLOTO’s value as a tool for gathering accurate, on-the-ground data. In cases like Beaver Island, where official records might not reflect the reality of broadband access, FLOTO allows organizations to challenge those discrepancies with hard data. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about advocating for digital equity and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.
This collaboration underscores the importance of precise measurement tools in shaping policy and ensuring digital inclusion for all communities. It sets a small, but important precedent, demonstrating how academic research tools can have real-world policy impacts. Campbell expressed excitement about the potential for similar deployments in other underserved areas, not just in Michigan but across the country. FLOTO is proving to be more than a measurement tool; it’s a catalyst for change in how we approach broadband equity.