The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners recently approved a $27 million high-speed broadband project delivering internet access to upwards of 10,000 addresses countywide.
A combination of state and federal grants, $7.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and a commitment of $3.5 million in private capital from 123NET, the company approved for providing high-speed internet service, will finance the system.
Commissioner Kyle Terpstra voiced his support during the March 14th board meeting.
“It’s a major investment into the county and for the residents of Ottawa County. Not only providing them a service, but providing them choices, not just one provider.”
The 123NET service is an open access network allowing residents and businesses to choose their internet provider.
123NET says its internet speeds are up to 10 gigabits per second. Once the network is completed, the county says it will provide access to roughly 3,300 unserved and 1,200 underserved addresses.