MEC Expands Broadband Access in Southwest Michigan

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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 communities, enabling residents to work remotely, assist their children with online schoolwork, and access entertainment and other services that require high-speed internet. MEC has received state and local support to fund the expansion, which builds on the company's previous efforts to bring broadband to over 7,600 rural addresses in the region.

The details

MEC is constructing the new fiber optic network with the goal of providing a high-speed internet option to 3,000 homes and businesses that currently lack access to reliable broadband as defined by the FCC. The company says the project will help rural residents take advantage of the opportunities that broadband enables, from remote work to online education and entertainment.

• Construction on the new fiber optic network has begun in early 2026.
• MEC plans to announce additional construction areas for the second half of 2026 in July.

What’s next

MEC will announce the next phase of its broadband expansion project in July 2026, detailing the additional communities that will receive the new fiber optic network.