News

Work has begun on a project that will provide the first fiber connection to the largest island in Lake Michigan.

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

According to a local report, Peninsula Fiber Network and partner 123NET have started work on an $87 million middle‑mile broadband project that will, for the first time, link Beaver Island to Michigan’s terrestrial fiber network.

The project, known as IMPACC (short for Infrastructure for Michigan’s Peninsulas and Critical Crossings) is being built as an open‑access, carrier‑neutral middle‑mile network.

As reported by WCMU Public Meida, the IMPACC effort will consist of three distinct routes that will mix on‑land and underwater fiber crossings.

One route will link Byron Center and Benton Harbor to Chicago. A second route will link Gulliver, Beaver Island, Charlevoix, and Gaylord, according to the report. A third route, underway since June, will connect Port Huron to Flint via an overland corridor of roughly 111 miles, the report stated.

The island, with a population around 600, currently relies on DSL or satellite, according to WCMU Public Media.

Despite its small population, Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

“Time slows down here, offering a peaceful, relaxed way of life,” a website representing the community states.

Additionally, the island is known as a popular stargazing location.

“Because of our location in the middle of northern Lake Michigan Beaver Island is one of the finest dark skies star gazing locations in the United States,” Beaver Island’s website states. “We are far away from the light pollution of any large metro areas.”

AI tools from Noah Wire Services contributed to this article.

Get content like this delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter.

Learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2026 in Houston.