Ottawa County broadband expansion moves into next phase

Tech

Apr 10

Ottawa County and 123NET have received final grant approvals from the state to move forward with the broadband expansion project funded by the Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Network grant program.

The project will construct 250 miles of fiber, improving access for nearly 6,000 residents. Ottawa County is contributing $4.3M, 123NET is contributing $2.2M, and the state of Michigan is providing $9.7M in additional funding. The $16.2M investment is designed to facilitate greater access to online resources, foster economic growth and educational opportunities, and enhance access to healthcare needs.

Members of the Department of Strategic Impact, representatives from 123NET, and local officials are holding meetings to refine the final fiber installation routes. Considerations are being made for the specific address connections funded by the grant, as well as master plans that determine future land use and the location of critical community facilities that need stable broadband connections. Construction is scheduled to begin by Fall 2024.

"We are thrilled to move forward and get shovels in the ground before the end of the year," said Paul Sachs, Director of Ottawa County's Department of Strategic Impact. "These initiatives align with our mission to ensure that every resident in our community has access to high-speed internet. By investing in broadband infrastructure and engaging with our community, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and connected Ottawa County."

Residents who believe they are not accurately represented on the FCC maps can file a challenge from March 25 to April 23. To do so, they can visit challenge.merit.edu and check what the FCC maps have listed for internet service at their address. If the map indicates that an address has internet service at, or above, speeds of 100mbps to download and 20mbps to upload, but that is not the case, the resident can submit a challenge to the map.

For more information or to view a preliminary map showing the parcels that will receive service from this project, visit https://www.miottawa.org/Departments/Planning/broadband.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.