123NET Secures $86 Million for Michigan Fiber Expansion
The company will build 1,700 miles of new fiber network to provide high-speed internet to 17,000 locations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Telecommunications
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123NET has received $86 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding to expand high-speed fiber-optic internet across 12 Michigan counties. This initiative will bring connectivity to 17,000 targeted addresses as part of a broader network expansion.
Why it matters
The funding aims to bridge the digital divide by accelerating the deployment of fiber-optic infrastructure in underserved communities throughout Michigan. It is part of a larger $1.5 billion state investment program designed to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and institutions.
The expansion includes the construction of 1,700 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure to reach 49,300 total addresses. 123NET owns and operates the entirety of its network infrastructure.
The players
123NET
A Michigan-based telecommunications provider that owns and operates its own fiber-optic network.
The details
123NET collaborates with local municipalities and community partners to secure and implement this federal funding. The project follows a successful expansion the company completed in Allegan County earlier this year.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026, 123NET completed a fiber expansion in Allegan County.
October 28, 2026: 123NET confirmed the receipt of the BEAD award.
Early 2027: New fiber construction projects are scheduled to begin.
The Tech Race
The expansion follows the federal rollout of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas. This transition to widespread fiber optics marks a significant leap over legacy copper-based telecommunications infrastructure.
Residents in the covered counties will gain access to high-speed fiber-optic connectivity, improving residential and commercial internet reliability. Interested users can check for availability through the company's service portals as construction progresses.
The takeaway
This project highlights the ongoing shift toward fiber-based internet as the standard for rural and underserved connectivity. Residents in these 12 counties should monitor company announcements for construction updates that may affect local utility access.
What happens next
New BEAD-funded fiber construction projects are scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local internet infrastructure developments in the Michigan Telecommunications section.
More information
Residents can check for service availability or sign up for updates on the 123NET home fiber service sign-up page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telecompetitor.
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