Midwest Energy & Communications expands fiber internet in Southwest Michigan

New phase of broadband project to reach 3,000 homes and businesses in rural areas

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) has begun the next phase of its project to expand high-speed internet access in rural areas of Southwest Michigan. The company is laying over 300 miles of new fiber optic cable to serve 3,000 homes and businesses in communities near Benton Harbor, Coloma, Covert, Hartford, and Schoolcraft that currently lack reliable broadband.

Why it matters

This project aims to help bridge the digital divide in rural Southwest Michigan by providing more residents access to high-speed internet, which is crucial for remote work, online education, and accessing entertainment and other services that require a robust broadband connection.

The details

MEC received state grants and support from local counties and townships to fund this latest phase of its ongoing broadband expansion. So far, the company's efforts have reached over 7,600 rural addresses across nine southern Michigan counties.

  • Construction on the new fiber network began in February 2026.
  • MEC plans to announce the next areas for expansion in July 2026.

The players

Midwest Energy & Communications

A Midwest-based utility company that is expanding its fiber optic broadband network to underserved rural areas.

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What’s next

MEC will announce the next phase of its broadband expansion project in July 2026, which will likely target additional rural communities in Southwest Michigan.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates how public-private partnerships and targeted infrastructure investments can help close the digital divide and bring high-speed internet access to rural communities that have historically lacked reliable broadband options.