Allegan County, Michigan, August 19, 2026 – 123NET, a Michigan-based provider of fiber internet, colocation and voice services, today announced the completion of the Allegan County broadband expansion project, delivering approximately 1,100 miles of high-speed fiber to help connect communities, businesses and residents, including many in previously unserved and underserved areas.  

Allegan’s $65 million project was launched in 2022 after the county selected 123NET to design and build the expansive fiber network, reaching approximately 11,000 addresses. Since connecting its first customers in Shelbyville in late 2023, construction steadily progressed across the county and approximately 17,000 addresses were able to be served.  

“Completing a project of this scale is a tremendous achievement for Allegan County, our construction contractors and the entire 123NET team,” said Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO of 123NET. “This network makes Allegan one of the best connected counties in Michigan and offers residents access to some of the fastest internet speeds available in the nation. We are proud to partner with Allegan County to invest in the region’s future.” 

Funding for the initiative was provided through a combination of federal, state, county and private investments, including the State of Michigan’s Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) program, Allegan County American Rescue Plan Act funds and capital investment from 123NET.  

“The vision to offer access to reliable, high-performance internet service to residents and businesses that were previously unserved or underserved has become a reality,” said Robert J. Sarro Allegan County Administrator. “This network will create opportunities for residents to work remotely, students to access online learning resources, healthcare providers to expand telehealth services and businesses to compete in a digital economy, helping to spur economic development and quality of life.” 

It has been an honor to be engaged in this project as both a commissioner and a member of the Broadband Action Workgroup,” said Scott Beltman Allegan County Board Chair. “The results of this project will impact Allegan County in positive ways for generations.” 

123NET’s Allegan County fiber offers speeds of up to 6 gigabits per second, 60 times faster than the county’s original specification. The network is designed as an open-access and carrier-neutral platform, allowing multiple service providers to utilize infrastructure.   

“The success of this project demonstrates what’s possible when public and private partners share a common vision,” said Jill Dunham, 123NET’s Director of Community Engagement, who previously served as Allegan County’s Broadband Project Manager when the project began. “Seeing firsthand how reliable, high-speed internet can transform communities strengthened my passion for expanding broadband access across Michigan. I joined 123NET because I believe in the company’s mission and look forward to helping more communities build the connectivity infrastructure needed to support economic growth and quality of life in the digital age.” 

Currently, 123NET is managing similar grant work in Allegan’s northern neighbor, Ottawa County, constructing 325 miles of new network to provide access to over 5,000 residents. The Ottawa County project is currently over 25% completed and is expected to be finalized by end of the year.  

Residents interested in learning more about fiber internet service availability can visit 123NET’s website’s Allegan County-wide Project page here.