123NET Awarded $86 Million in Federal BEAD Funding for Michigan Broadband Infrastructure

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 123NET, a Michigan-based provider of fiber internet, colocation and voice services, has been awarded approximately $86 million through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to accelerate high-speed fiber-optic installation across multiple underserved communities throughout the state. 123NET is working with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to help close the digital divide.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as well as MIHI, BEAD is part of the federal government's effort to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable broadband. 123NET collaborated with municipalities and community partners across Michigan to apply for funding that will deliver ultra-fast connectivity to 17,000 BEAD-funded addresses, contributing to a total network expansion reaching 49,300 addresses.

In addition to $920 million in federal funding, Michigan's private sector is contributing $550 million in matching funds to achieve the $1.5 billion investment. Michigan has the third-highest number of BEAD-eligible locations in the nation and expects to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses and institutions through the program.

"123NET is working alongside Michigan's public and private sectors to be part of the solution to combat the social, financial and geographic inequities that contribute to the digital divide," said Ken Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of 123NET. "The BEAD program and the funding it provides will create long-term, sustainable infrastructure for the digital services Michiganders need to achieve world-class connectivity."

123NET's funding supports multiple projects across Michigan, with 1,700 miles of fiber network being built in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Jackson, Kent, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa and Washtenaw.

"Expanding fiber to underserved communities creates a rising tide for everyone, from the small business owner who can finally compete in a digital economy to the student who can access resources that were previously out of reach. Our team is proud to be part of delivering that promise to Michigan," said Chuck Irvin, 123NET's Chief Technology and Information Officer.

"MIHI is excited for the opportunity to expand broadband access throughout the state," said Eric Frederick, the state's Chief Connectivity Officer. "MIHI is dedicated to ensuring every Michigander can leverage technology to improve their quality of life."

Achieving internet-for-all in Michigan requires overcoming high deployment costs, complex permitting processes and workforce shortages in the telecommunications sector. 123NET stands apart by owning and operating its entire network, eliminating the obstacles and complexities that third-party providers often face. The company has a proven history of efficiently building fiber and currently operates Michigan's largest fiber network.

Earlier this year, 123NET completed a large fiber network expansion via a ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant in Allegan County. Thousands of Michiganders across the county now have access to high-quality, award-winning 123NET internet.

These new BEAD-funded projects are scheduled to begin in early 2027. Residents in these communities can reach out to 123NET (https://www.123.net/home-fiber-internet/) to sign up for notifications when service becomes available.

ABOUT 123NET
123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Grand Rapids and Detroit Internet Exchanges, 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.

SOURCE 123NET