MEC is expanding its network in 16 counties in southern Michigan
Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) is bringing fiber internet service to rural addresses in southern Michigan. The company, headquartered in Cassopolis, Mich., is an electric cooperative that began building a fiber network in 2015 for its electric customers. MEC is now expanding its network in 16 counties in southern Michigan.
MEC exclusively serves rural customers with a focus on those who do not currently have access to high-speed broadband. “The broadband needs of the rural space largely have been ignored. Geography shouldn’t define a person’s scope of opportunity. People choosing to work and live in rural Michigan should have the same amenities as their counterparts in more urban areas,” said Bob Hance, MEC president and CEO. “We are committed to eliminating the digital divide and creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities.”
The company is building thousands of miles of fiber infrastructure to bring service to over 50,000 addresses by the end of 2026. This expansion effort has been made possible by the 2020 Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction and the State of Michigan’s 2023 Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) program.
MEC offers three internet packages for residential customers:
- The Advanced package ($65/month) provides 100 Mbps upload and download speeds and is best for a small family.
- The Gig package ($100/month) provides 1 Gbps up and down and suits a large household where everyone is a heavy internet user.
- The 5 Gig package ($200/month) provides 5 Gbps up and down, delivered as one gig per port, plus Wi-Fi, and is best for activities that need near-instantaneous online capabilities, such as competitive online gaming or data-intensive work.
All packages come with a cutting-edge router, advanced parental controls, and automatic network security. Several business plans are available as well.
What makes MEC fiber internet stand apart from the crowd?
- All plans are unlimited.
- Parental controls and network security are included at no extra charge.
- MEC delivers internet exclusively over fiber optic lines, which provides the fastest and most reliable internet of any service available. Satellite, even the most advanced, simply can’t touch fiber speed.
- MEC is a Michigan company with roughly 175 employees, most of whom live in the communities MEC serves.
- Fiber internet can increase a home’s value by about 3%.
Interested individuals can learn more and check their address for eligibility at teammidwest.com.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
