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123NET Secures Major Funding for Michigan Broadband Expansion

In a significant boost to Michigan's digital infrastructure, 123NET, a prominent provider of fiber internet services, was awarded approximately $86 million through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This funding aims to enhance broadband connectivity across multiple underserved areas in the state, enabling high-speed fiber-optic installations that promise to bridge the digital divide.

This initiative comes as part of a broader effort by the federal government, overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), to provide affordable and reliable broadband access to all Americans. 123NET has partnered with various municipalities and community organizations across Michigan to secure this vital funding. As a result, the program is set to deliver ultra-fast internet to approximately 17,000 addresses that are currently lacking adequate service, with a total project footprint reaching 49,300 addresses.

The funding allocates an impressive $920 million in federal assistance, accompanied by $550 million in matching funds from Michigan's private sector. This combined investment of $1.5 billion makes Michigan one of the leading states in terms of BEAD program eligibility, with plans to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and institutions.

According to Ken Fitzpatrick, the CEO of 123NET, “We are partnering with Michigan’s public and private sectors in a joint effort to mitigate the social, financial, and geographical inequalities that contribute to the digital divide. The BEAD program funding will help us build sustainable infrastructure ensuring that Michiganders have access to world-class connectivity.”

Expanding Fiber Access Across Michigan

The funding will support multiple projects that together represent about 1,700 miles of new fiber network being deployed across various counties, including Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Jackson, Kent, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa, and Washtenaw. This extensive network will not only boost connectivity for individual users but will also greatly enhance the local economy, allowing small businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

Chuck Irvin, 123NET's Chief Technology and Information Officer, emphasized the broader impacts of expanding fiber access: “Bringing fiber to underserved communities elevates the potential for everyone—whether it’s a small business gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace or students accessing vital educational resources that were previously out of reach. We are proud to play a role in fulfilling that promise for Michigan.”

Overcoming Challenges in Broadband Deployment

However, realizing the vision of universal internet access in Michigan requires overcoming numerous challenges, including high deployment costs, a complex permitting process, and workforce shortages in the telecommunications sector. 123NET is positioned uniquely, as it owns and operates its entire network, eliminating many of the obstacles that third-party providers encounter. The company has a proven track record of efficiently building fiber networks and operates the largest fiber network in Michigan.

Earlier this year, 123NET completed a significant fiber expansion funded by a ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant in Allegan County, providing high-quality internet access to thousands of Michigan residents.

Moving forward, the BEAD-funded projects are slated to begin in early 2027. Residents in the designated communities are encouraged to sign up for notifications from 123NET regarding service availability through their website.

About 123NET

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) committed to delivering innovative and reliable internet, colocation, and voice services to businesses. Serving various clients, including numerous Fortune 500 companies, 123NET is recognized for its industry-leading connectivity solutions. The company also boasts the Grand Rapids and Detroit Internet Exchanges, providing a robust infrastructure and peering with major technology players like Google, AWS, and General Motors. 123NET aims to make Michigan communities and businesses among the best-connected on the planet.