123NET, a Southfield-based provider of fiber internet, colocation, and voice services, has been awarded approximately $86 million through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to accelerate high-speed fiber-optic installation across multiple underserved communities throughout the state.
Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as well as the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), BEAD is part of the federal government’s effort to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable broadband.
For the project, 123NET collaborated with municipalities and community partners across Michigan to apply for funding that will deliver ultra-fast connectivity to 17,000 BEAD-funded addresses, contributing to a total network expansion reaching 49,300 addresses.
In addition to $920 million in federal funding, Michigan’s private sector is contributing $550 million in matching funds to achieve the $1.5 billion investment. Michigan has the third-highest number of BEAD-eligible locations in the nation and expects to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses, and institutions through the program.
“123NET is working alongside Michigan’s public and private sectors to be part of the solution to combat the social, financial, and geographic inequities that contribute to the digital divide,” says Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO of 123NET. “The BEAD program and the funding it provides will create long-term, sustainable infrastructure for the digital services Michiganders need to achieve world-class connectivity.”
123NET’s funding supports multiple projects across Michigan, with 1,700 miles of fiber network being built in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Jackson, Kent, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa, and Washtenaw.
“Expanding fiber to underserved communities creates a rising tide for everyone, from the small business owner who can finally compete in a digital economy to the student who can access resources that were previously out of reach,” says Chuck Irvin, chief technology and information officer at 123NET. “Our team is proud to be part of delivering that promise to Michigan.”
Achieving internet-for-all in Michigan requires overcoming high deployment costs, complex permitting processes, and workforce shortages in the telecommunications sector. 123NET says it stands apart by owning and operating its entire network, eliminating the obstacles and complexities that third-party providers often face. The company currently operates Michigan’s largest fiber network.
“MIHI is excited for the opportunity to expand broadband access throughout the state,” says Eric Frederick, the state’s chief connectivity officer. “MIHI is dedicated to ensuring every Michigander can leverage technology to improve their quality of life.”
The new BEAD-funded projects are scheduled to begin in early 2027. Residents in these communities can reach out to 123NET via 123.net/home-fiber-internet to sign up for notifications when service becomes available.
Earlier this year, 123NET completed a large fiber network expansion via a ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant in Allegan County.
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