Internet service provider Allbands Communication received a roughly $2 million appropriation in the latest state budget to expand broadband access in underserved areas across northeast Michigan.
This appropriation was part of a USDA ReConnect project funded by the state. It’s $16.9 million project in its fourth round of funding that will work to provide high-speed internet access throughout Montmorency, Alcona, Oscoda and Iosco counties. According to a press release, the overall project will directly benefit around 3,500 households, 122 businesses, and 100 farms.
“This $2 million grant will help Michiganders in rural communities across northern Michigan get faster, fiber optic internet.” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said in a press release.
In northeast Michigan, much of the population remains without quality internet access. According to a Michigan high-speed internet map by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economy Opportunity, less than 80% of serviceable locations within many of the counties have high-speed service. This includes Montmorency, Oscoda, Iosco and Alpena counties.
“Personally, in my career here and being a rural advocate and supporting Allband, it’s always been one of my goals to continue to engage our state for support,” Ron Siegel, general manager at Allband Communications said.
Allbands Communications was founded in 2003 and has been working to make broadband internet more accessible in the region since the need for high-speed internet became more pronounced. Before, the company worked to provide basic cell phone service to households who did not have access to landline.
“We’ve actually been able to serve…well over 2,000 households. Our current subscribership is around 1,600,” Siegel said. “But when you look at this rural area up here and how dense, how sparsely populated it is, it’s pretty amazing when you kind of put the numbers together.”
Siegel said with the $2 million, Allband will be working to install fiber optic cables along M-65, just south of Curran. From there, he and his team will be branching out to different towns throughout the region.
Construction will begin in Spring 2026.
