The Allegan County Internet broadband project make a step forward Thursday when the County Board of Commissioners awarded a $17.7 million contract to 123.net of Southfield to provide wired broadband infrastructure and service to some 12,000 unserved addresses that don’t have access to download speeds of over 100mb.
Broadband Project Manager Jill Dunham said, “123.net is a foundational provider of Michigan Broadband infrastructure. From their reasonable monthly rates to the open access network proposed, they offer a great solution for Allegan County.”
123.Net will match the county’s investment with a similar amount.
Its proposal was recommended by the Broadband Action Workgroup (BAW), established by commissioners specifically to help with the project as a result of a request for proposal process. Eleven proposals were received and were evaluated by a six-member team comprised of three county employees and three members of the BAW.
County Board Chairman Jim Storey said, “Voting to invest in Internet access for all Allegan County is the most important act for the future this Board of Commissioners made this term. It signals Allegan County will be a player in the world economy by giving individual residents access through high speed internet to opportunity and prosperity. This county’s residents owe a debt of gratitude to the broadband action workgroup for their work over a year and half to bring this promise to fruition.”
While progress has been made for access in areas of the county, lower population density areas have remained a challenge. It has been difficult for providers to install costly infrastructure without enough customers to provide a return on investment.
The release of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and other state and federal broadband programs has offset the upfront costs of the infrastructure. When notice of ARPA funds became available, Allegan County quickly sought input from the community and broadband was determined to be a top concern. Advancing broadband coverage in Allegan County and using ARPA funds became a priority addition to the county’s 2021/22 Strategic Plan.
Based on previous experiences in broadband-related projects, the county opted to take a different approach and contract a full-time project manager. The creation of a work group with diverse talents and experience also was determined to be essential to move this project forward.
County Administrator Rob Sarro said, “Our collaborative planning and focused approach to this project is producing quick results. It is amazing to see so many people working together around a shared vision and I am proud Allegan County is so far ahead in the process.”
The 123.net proposal will use $17.7 million in county ARPA funds, combined with provider capital and state/federal funding for a total project of approximately $70 million. Once all funding is received, the project is expected to be completed in about 18 to 24 months.
The county’s full allocation of ARPA funding is approximately $23 million. Besides funding for broadband, the county is using ARPA funds for a project to proactively protect water quality and availability.
Broadband Project Manager Dunham also assisting in water project, along with a separate group.
I live in Gun Plain Township and have AT&T DSL with a download speed of 3mp. They have run AT&T Fiber Optrics across the road, but have made it available to those that live on 8th St Plainwell Gun Plain Township.