Nearly 600 Cass County households now have access to high-speed internet for the first time, thanks to a collaborative effort between Cass County, Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC), and the state of Michigan.
MEC is wrapping up its efforts with the ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) program, a joint effort focused on providing high-speed internet to unserved areas.
In 2023, the Cass County Board of Commissioners allocated $250,000 to match a grant awarded to MEC by the state’s ROBIN program, funded by the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. Combined, these funds allowed MEC to provide reliable broadband service to 578 homes across every corner of Cas County.
“Expanding broadband access has been one of Cass County’s highest priorities because it directly impacts education, healthcare, business growth, and quality of life,” said Jennifer Rentfrow, Interim Cass County Administrator. “This project ensures that families and businesses in even our most rural townships are no longer left behind.”
The broadband expansion was informed by the work of Cass County, which studied service gaps and identified solutions to address rural needs. Cass County’s economic development partner, Market One, received a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
(MDARD) to conduct a regional broadband needs assessment. Partnering with DCS Technology Design, the team produced a countywide, parcel-level map of internet availability. With that data in hand, MEC launched construction to reach households previously excluded from high-speed service.
“This partnership shows the power of collaboration between local government, economic development, and private providers,” said Zach Morris, Executive Director of Market One. “By combining resources and expertise, we’ve been able to deliver lasting infrastructure that supports Cass County’s future.”
With construction complete, MEC’s focus is now on installation in the nine participating townships: Howard, LaGrange, Marcellus, Mason, Pokagon, Porter, Silver Creek, Volinia and Wayne.
“MEC is committed to ensuring unserved and underserved rural residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Our ROBIN funding would not have been possible without the dedication and partnership of Cass County and LaGrange, Marcellus, Mason and Pokagon Townships,” said Terry Rubenthaler, MEC president/CEO. “They worked tirelessly to secure financial commitments to help make high-speed broadband a reality in their areas. We’re proud to work with individuals who share our vision of creating vibrant, relevant, and sustainable rural communities.”
