Broadband access expands as Ottawa County connects first fiber customers

What’s happening: 123NET, a Michigan-based provider of fiber internet and voice services, has connected its first customers in Ottawa County as part of a $15 million project to construct 325 miles of fiber and bring high-performance internet access to about 2,500 underserved businesses and residents.

Why’s it important: This project is a public-private partnership between 123NET and Ottawa County and was approved by the County’s Board of Commissioners in December 2023. Funding sources include $9 million in state grants, $4 million from the county, and $1.9 million from 123NET.

What they’re saying: “Access to affordable high-speed internet isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity in our professional, personal and social lives,” says Eric Frederick, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office chief connectivity officer. “The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is continuing to bring broadband access statewide, and we’re celebrating a more digitally equitable Michigan with this connectivity in Ottawa County, where people can use reliable technology to improve their quality of life.”

What’s the impact: One of the first customers, Ronda Fisher of Hudsonville, is excited to have reliable internet at her home. “We were utilizing our hotspot to stream,” Fisher says. “I’m so excited to get fiber internet to our home, where our family can stream, work and do whatever we need to do without fearing that our internet won’t keep up.”

What’s next: The Ottawa County fiber installation will connect to 123NET’s existing 4,000-mile Michigan network. Residents can choose internet speeds from 250 Mbps up to 6 gigabits per second, which is up to 100 times faster than connections previously available at these addresses. The open-access, carrier-neutral network will allow other internet providers to use the fiber, giving residents more choices for service.

How it works: “Years of hard work navigating the complexities of enhancing broadband infrastructure has culminated in this major milestone – connecting our first customer to 123NET’s robust fiber network,” said Paul Sachs, Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact director. “It’s so rewarding to witness this tangible first step in providing the high-speed connectivity County residents and businesses need to thrive.”

What’s available: Broadband infrastructure supports business, education, healthcare, agriculture and daily life, with rural areas seeing the greatest benefits from new high-speed connections.

Ottawa County residents can check whether their address is included in the current broadband project and pre-register at https://www.123.net/home-fiber-internet/ottawa-county/.