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Muskegon among counties assessing internet needs

Rock1997 via Wikimedia | CC BY 2.0

In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, some of us may take for granted the ability to get online – let alone, get online quickly. A new study hopes to address a lack of statewide access, including areas of Muskegon County.

Jonathon Wilson is Muskegon County’s economic development coordinator and the point person for the county’s participation in a statewide Connect Michigan study gauging access to high-speed internet. 

"We’re hoping to map, based on the surveys, where there’s a lack of accessibility."

Wilson says portions of the county lack the ability or infrastructure needed for broadband access – particularly Northern areas like White Hall and Montague, and communities farther east such as Ravenna and Houghton.

"More the rural areas of the county," he says. "Cities such as Norton Shores, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights – the infrastructure is set up pretty well in those areas for broadband access. The barriers in those areas are more education, use and adoption of the technology."

Wilson calls internet access a quality of life issue – and one that’s important for residential and business customers.

He says the county plans to use the gathered information to create an action plan that addresses needs.

"Determine funding sources and next steps. Things that we can do to decrease some of those barriers and work with the providers to do that last mile of infrastructure. Or identify providers who would be interested in coming on board."

All Muskegon County residents are asked to participate in the survey, which you can find online through Muskegon County’s website. Multiple municipalities also have links to the survey on their websites.

Wilson says if you don’t have internet access, you can contact your municipality or the Muskegon County Economic Development office for more information.

The survey runs through January 29.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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