In today’s world, reliable internet is as essential as electricity or running water. Yet, many rural communities across Michigan still face significant connectivity challenges. These gaps affect education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, leaving residents at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital society. 123NET believes that every community deserves equal access to high-speed internet, and we’re working to make that a reality.

Why Rural Areas Need Better Internet

For families, a dependable connection ensures students can access online learning resources and participate in virtual classrooms. For local businesses, it means staying competitive, serving customers efficiently, and creating jobs. For healthcare, it provides the foundation for telemedicine—critical for residents who can’t easily access in-person care.

Unfortunately, older technologies like DSL and cable often fall short in rural areas, struggling with slow speeds and unreliable service. This is where fiber internet changes everything.

Fiber Internet: A Future-Proof Solution

Fiber-optic technology uses light to transmit data, delivering unmatched speed and reliability. With fiber, rural households and businesses gain:

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds for smooth video calls, streaming, and cloud applications.
  • Reliable performance even during peak hours.
  • Future-ready connectivity for smart homes and growing bandwidth needs.

123NET’s Role in Closing the Gap

123NET is investing in fiber infrastructure where it’s needed most—places that have long been underserved by traditional providers.

The most recent fiber builds, Allegan County and Ottawa County projects are prime examples. These initiatives are bringing high-speed fiber internet to thousands of homes and businesses, transforming how residents work, learn, and communicate. By collaborating with local leaders and leveraging funding opportunities, 123NET is ensuring these communities finally get the reliable, high-speed internet they deserve. Going Further with the BEAD Program

Going Further with the BEAD Program

To deepen the impact, 123NET is actively pursuing funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—a federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The BEAD Program is designed to expand high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas across the country. If awarded, this funding would accelerate 123NET’s ability to build critical broadband infrastructure in more rural Michigan communities. It’s not just about faster internet, it’s about closing the digital divide and opening doors for education, business growth, healthcare access, and community development.

A Connected Future for Every Community

123NET is proud to be part of the solution. Every new mile of fiber that is built in rural Michigan represents more opportunity—stronger businesses, better education, improved healthcare access, and a higher quality of life.

If you live in Allegan, Ottawa, or other areas where connectivity has been a challenge, check the availability tool on the 123NET Website. Even if service isn’t available today, 123NET is expanding rapidly—because every community deserves to thrive in a connected world.

Check your address here: https://www.123.net/home-fiber-internet/allegan-county/