WEST OLIVE, Mich. -- Ottawa County is partnering with the 123NET fiber internet provider to bring broadband to the county's underserved residents and businesses.
The county says funding for the $27 million project will come from a combination of private, state and federal funds. Specifically, from $7.5 million of Ottawa County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $3.5 Million in 123NET's private capital, and additional state and federal grants.
At its March 14 meeting, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved letter of intent to partner with 123NET. That motion enabled the County and its partner to submit an application to compete for time-sensitive state grant funding.
The county also says many Ottawa County citizens report they do not have access to broadband, available broadband is unreliable, or service is too expensive. The county enlisted the help of Urban Wireless Solutions, a team of broadband experts and advisors, to help guide the project's planning and execution.
Working with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and additional community partners, the county conducted a Broadband Data Collection Survey in 2021 that revealed 10.5 percent of county households do not have access to fixed (wired or wireless) high-speed internet. And 26 percent of those with fixed broadband access it at speeds slower than the Federal Communication Commission's minimum broadband threshold.
"In Ottawa County, we are active listeners who heard over and over again that countywide access to reliable broadband internet was a top priority," said Paul Sachs, Director of the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact. "The monumental action the County Board of Commissioners have taken will provide Ottawa County citizens the high-speed connectivity necessary to succeed now and into the future."
"High-speed internet service is no longer a luxury item. This public-private partnership will move us closer to ensuring all Ottawa County families and businesses have access to reliable and affordable broadband."
Ottawa County Commissioner Rebekah Curran
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