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Detroit, MI — June 20, 2025 — 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—known as the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative at Michigan Central (EII SWD)—marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity for local residents. 

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. 

“Michigan Central is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone in our community,” said Cornetta Lane-Smith, Director of Community Engagement at Michigan Central. “Access to the internet is a fundamental need in today’s economy, and through our partnership with EII, we’re ensuring that Southwest Detroit residents have the tools they need to thrive.”

The EII—created in 2015—is a community-governed internet service focused on prioritizing affordability, resilience, and community empowerment. EII’s work has already transformed several Detroit neighborhoods by providing high-speed internet access, and digital literacy training. 

“We believe the internet should be a public good that uplifts communities, not leave them behind,” said Aldo Medina, EII Digital Technician. “Partnering 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.”

The key features of the EII SWD include: 

  • Low-Cost and High-Speed Internet Access: With the newly installed infrastructure atop The Station, EII SWD will deliver fast and affordable wireless internet to underserved households at $10 per month without a contract. 
  • Workforce Development: Local residents will be trained as “Digital Stewards” as EII provides training, upskilling, and local employment opportunities.  
  • Network Resilience: EII SW features a built-in critical disaster preparedness infrastructure ensuring resilient access to the internet during power outages and emergencies.
  • Sustainable Growth: The future-ready infrastructure is capable of supporting additional community and business needs, laying the groundwork for further digital inclusion initiatives. 

Services provided through EII SWD are limited to the 48216 and 48209 zip codes. Residents who are interested in learning more about EII SWD and receiving reliable, high-speed, wireless internet access at low costs, must apply online or contact EII directly:

There is no deadline to apply. Residents will be accepted into the program on a rolling basis. 

The initiative is made possible in part by a $300,000 Congressional Community Project Grant, alongside support from community partnerships and subscriber revenue that will sustain long-term operations.

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About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 730 employees from almost 130 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at www.MichiganCentral.com.

About the Equitable Internet Initiative

Launched in 2016, the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) is a community internet collective committed to bridging Detroit’s digital divide by empowering historically marginalized residents. Our mission is to ensure that more Detroiters can access and leverage digital technologies for social and economic development. EII is run by grassroots internet technicians, combining technical skill with a deep commitment to community care — trained to build, maintain, and govern neighborhood internet infrastructure that centers accessibility, digital consent, safety, and resilience. We provide internet service to residents in the 48210, 48209, and 48216 zip codes of Southwest Detroit. EII is a collaboration between Grace in Action Collectives and the Detroit Community Technology Project (DCTP).