"Middle Mile" network is a broadband infrastructure project that does not predominantly provide broadband service to end users or to end-user devices, and may include interoffice transport, backhaul, Internet connectivity, or special access. In other words, the Middle Mile network is an extension of the Internet backbone that connects Last Mile providers (Internet Service Providers) who ultimately serve the residents, businesses, and governments in the project area, to the rest of the world.

The Middle Mile network is typically connected to multiple "access points" along the Internet backbone routes. It connects the core network to the local network. However, a Middle Mile network does not directly connect the end user to the broadband Internet.