LANSING – Reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to deploying Internet access in urban and rural areas across the Great Lakes State, AT&T has announced plans to extend access to more than 86,600 rural homes and businesses in Michigan over the next six years.

“It is exciting to announce that AT&T in Michigan will accept nearly $30 million annually over the next six years to continue the expansion of Internet service to more than 86,600 rural homes and businesses across Michigan,” said Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan.

“AT&T has been investing in our innovative networks in urban and rural areas across our state for more than 135 years, and we are pleased to participate in this program to continue bringing Internet services to more residents and business owners in Michigan.”

Understanding that deploying Internet in some remote areas is not economically viable, in late 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Connect America Fund (CAF) to expand connectivity in rural areas across the country and in Michigan.

AT&T has elected to participate in the second phase of the CAF program in Michigan, planning to deploy Internet access to more than 86,600 homes and businesses in rural areas the FCC has targeted. In those areas AT&T plans to deliver Internet speeds of at least 10 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads.