Regional Broadband Initiative
The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation is facilitating activities that supports the expansion of High-Speed Internet availability across Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Kalkaska Counties. The objective and goal of this initiative is to develop and execute a Broadband Investment Strategy at a regional level that clarifies the financial investment, infrastructure necessities, and economic benefits of High-Speed Internet access across urban and rural sectors of the region. Click here for an update on The Traverse Bay EDC Regional Broadband Initiative!
Win the Future - Enabling Businesses to Grow Faster Regional Broadband Investment Strategy Broadband Initiatives Push Forward |
Explore Michigan's Broadband coverage with Connect Michigan's interactive web mapping application. Click here to find Broadband Service Providers that may be delivering High-Speed Internet service to your address. |
What Is Broadband? Broadband or High-Speed Internet access allows businesses and residents to access the Internet and Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through traditional telephone or "dial-up" Internet services. Dial-up modems are limited to a bit rate of less than 56 kbit/s (kilobits per second) and require the full use of a telephone line—whereas broadband technologies increase this rate more than 10 times and generally without disrupting telephone use. The performance of accessing text, images, video, sound, and sharing data are much faster with a Broadband connection. In fact, some Internet Services will not function unless you have a High-Speed Internet connection. Establishing wide spread availability of Broadband service in our region will comprise of two elements; Middle Mile and Last Mile. Middle Mile consists of the backbone infrastructure that brings High-Speed Internet access into a geographical area. It is typically wire or fiber optic cable. Last Mile consists of the connection from the Middle Mile backbone to the subscriber, being either a business or residence. Last Mile delivery may be through wire, fiber optic cable, or Wireless technology. Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP) are rapidly becoming a popular option for rural areas where terrain restricts physical wiring. Entering the digital age of the 21st century, High-Speed Internet connections to businesses and residences will be essential assets that expand and sustain the economic and educational opportunities within our region.
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Click here to learn more of the regional effort that supports Broadband Service Providers pursuing ARRA Round 2 Funding.
Click here to learn more about the Federal Communications Commission National Broadband Plan. |
| Regional Broadband Service Providers The following is a listing of Broadband Service Providers currently or targeting to provide service in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. | |||
| Middle Mile Providers | Last Mile Providers |
Broadband Service Providers! Are you currently or targeting to serve Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties? Contact Us! |
