The Allegan County Board of Commissioners and 123.net of Southfield signed an agreement Thursday that will provide wired broadband infrastructure and service to 12,000 unserved addresses that do not have access to download speeds of over 100mb.

The final agreement was negotiated quickly after the Allegan County Board of Commissioners awarded the $17.7 million bid to 123.net in November. 

County Broadband Project Manager Ji;; 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.”

Board Chairman Jim Storey of Holland issued a commemorative certificate memorializing the event.  He described the signing of the agreement as a “monumental milestone of progress to the benefit of citizens throughout Allegan County.”

Storey, joined by Vice Chair Dean Kapenga of Hamilton, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board to County staff, the Broadband Action Workgroup, and 123.net for efforts and dedication toward bringing broadband wired infrastructure to citizens county-wide.

Storey said, “This milestone agreement is another example of what can be accomplished through teamwork and a spirit of togetherness. I am confident the remaining tasks will continue to demonstrate that same spirit and our residents will reap the rewards through our accomplishments.”

County Administrator Rob Sarro said, “It is an honor to be part of the process of developing an agreement that will positively impact so many lives and keep Allegan County on the path of progress.  We are fortunate to have a county team with a variety of talents that can come together to deliver a result and new partners like 123.net wanting to join our team and invest in Allegan County.” 

When notice of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds became available, county quickly officials sought input from the community and broadband was a top concern. Advancing broadband coverage in Allegan County and using ARPA funding to do so became a priority addition to the county’s 2021/22 Strategic Plan.

The 123.net agreement will use $17.7 milliomn 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 18 to 24 months.