Ann Arbor–Ypsilanti Fiber Backbone Complete, Expanding High-Speed Infrastructure Across Regional Innovation Corridor

EDA-supported project creates approximately 18 miles of publicly owned fiber infrastructure connecting the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti SmartZones

A major investment in Washtenaw County's technology infrastructure is now complete, with a new high-capacity fiber optic backbone connecting the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti SmartZones and expanding infrastructure available to businesses, telecommunications providers, public institutions, and other organizations across the corridor.

The approximately 18-mile Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Broadband Fiber Optic Network was made possible by a $2.4 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant and $600,000 in local matching funds from Ann Arbor SPARK, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone LDFA, the City of Ann Arbor, and Washtenaw County. The entirely underground network connects the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti through separate physical routes designed to provide greater reliability and redundancy.

The network launches with 432 fiber optic strands and was built with additional capacity to accommodate future growth and evolving business, research, public-sector, and technology needs.

"This is the kind of infrastructure investment that creates opportunities well beyond the completion of the project itself," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. "Connecting the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti innovation districts with high-capacity fiber strengthens an already important economic corridor and gives companies another reason to invest and grow here. Just as importantly, the network was built with the capacity to support needs we may not even be able to anticipate today. That positions our region to continue competing for technology companies, talent, and innovation well into the future."

The new backbone becomes part of the City of Ann Arbor's broader community fiber infrastructure, which includes its existing 35-mile A2 I-NET backbone and downtown Technology Park network. The City owns, operates, and maintains the infrastructure, with excess capacity available as dark fiber for use by public and private organizations. The City's existing community fiber model was designed specifically to make excess capacity available to outside organizations.

"This project is an important extension of the communications infrastructure we've been building strategically for years," said Milton Dohoney, Jr, Ann Arbor City Administrator. "By investing in reliable, resilient infrastructure with capacity for future growth, we're creating an asset that can serve both the City and the broader community for decades. We want businesses, institutions, and telecommunications providers to understand that this capacity is available and explore how they can put it to use."

The investment advances long-term regional economic development and connectivity goals. The City's Smart City Strategic Plan identifies affordable, high-speed communications infrastructure as important to attracting and retaining businesses and talent, supporting startups and incubators, enabling new technology, and increasing broadband competition and choice. The plan specifically called for extending fiber beyond Ann Arbor to connect the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti SmartZones.

Built Through Regional Collaboration

Ann Arbor SPARK served as the lead applicant for the EDA grant and grant administrator, while the City of Ann Arbor led the network's design and construction and will own, operate, maintain, and administer access to the infrastructure. The City of Ypsilanti was a key project partner in connecting the two SmartZones.

The project reflects a broader regional strategy to invest in shared infrastructure that can support economic growth and connectivity for years to come.

Interested in Connecting?

Businesses, telecommunications providers, institutions, and other organizations interested in accessing available dark fiber capacity or determining whether the network can serve a specific location are encouraged to contact the City of Ann Arbor Information Technology Department.

The City owns and maintains the fiber infrastructure but does not operate as an internet service provider or provide lit internet service. Organizations using dark fiber are responsible for the equipment and services needed to activate their connection.

To learn more or explore connectivity options, contact Josh Baron, IT Director, at 734-794-6550.