Ottawa County connects first customers in $15M high-speed internet build

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Southfield-based 123NET said it has connected its first customers in a $15 million project for Ottawa County.

The project, approved by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in December 2023, will add 325 miles of additional fiber and bring high-performance internet access to about 2,500 underserved businesses and residents once completed.

Funding sources include $9 million in ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant funding, $4 million from the county and $1.9 million from 123Net.

“Access to affordable high-speed internet isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity in our professional, personal and social lives,” Eric Frederick, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office chief connectivity officer, said in a statement.

“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.”

Ronda Fisher of Hudsonville was one of the first customers to have reliable internet at her home thanks to this buildout.

“We were utilizing our hotspot to stream,” she said. “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.”

The Ottawa County fiber installation will connect to 123Net’s existing 4,000-mile Michigan network, which links to multiple data centers and peering exchanges, including the Grand Rapids and Detroit Internet Exchanges.

“This deployment will empower residents with the tools they need to succeed and, ultimately, change how people live, work and thrive in Ottawa County.” Chuck Irvin, 123Net’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement.

Residents can choose internet speeds from 250 megabits to six gigabits per second, which is up to 100 times faster than connections available at these addresses previously, according to 123Net. The open-access, carrier-neutral network will allow other internet providers to use the fiber, giving residents more choice for service.

“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,” Paul Sachs, Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact director, said in a statement. “It’s so rewarding to witness this tangible first step in providing the high-speed connectivity county residents and businesses need to thrive.”

Businesses and residents in Ottawa County can find out if their address is included in the project and register for service at 123.net.

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