News
A partnership between 123Net and Allegan County will result in about 12,000 locations being connected to broadband, according to the county.
A project to connect 12,000 homes in rural Western Michigan is becoming a reality as the first Allegan County customers get connected to broadband thanks to a public/private partnership with 123Net, an ISP based in the Detroit area.
According to the county’s website dedicated to their countywide broadband internet project, over $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has been designated for the effort, which will result in an open access network managed by 123Net when the project is completed.
The Allegan County Broadband Access Project, which has managed a Facebook page, said the first customers were connected on Monday, November 13.
According to 123Net, the company was selected for the partnership with Allegan County almost exactly a year ago, in November 2022.
Chuck Irvin, an executive vice president for 123Net, said publicly owned land will be utilized for construction of the open access network. His comments were published on 123Net’s webpage tailored for residents of Allegan County.
He said Allegan County has been a front-runner when it comes to optimizing broadband funding to connect underserved residents.
“This project shows Allegan County is dedicated to bringing best-in-class connectivity to its residents,” Irvin said. “We are honored to be stewards of the county’s investment in broadband.”
