Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) has announced plans to begin construction of over 600 miles of new fiber internet infrastructure in rural areas near Adrian, Bloomingdale, Buchanan, Decatur, Dowagiac, Galien, Hartford, Lawrence, Lawton, Marcellus, Mattawan, Niles, Onondaga, Rives Junction, Saline, Sturgis, Three Oaks, and Union during the first six months of 2025. This project aims to bring high-speed internet to more than 7,000 residences and businesses that currently lack reliable broadband access. The initiative is funded in part by the 2020 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program from the state of Michigan.
These programs seek to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved rural communities. By the end of 2026, MEC plans to provide high-speed fiber service to 50,000 residences and businesses in rural southern Michigan.
Building new fiber network in Michigan
Terry Rubenthaler, President and CEO of MEC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The broadband needs of the rural space have largely been ignored, with many people being promised solutions that never arrive. As rural residents ourselves, we understand this and are dedicated to ensuring our neighbors and communities have the internet service they need to thrive in today’s world.”
MEC offers three internet packages: 100 Mbps for $65.00 per month, 1 Gbps for $100.00 per month, and 5 Gbps for $200.00 per month. All plans include unlimited data, Wi-Fi with an industry-leading router, advanced parental controls, and protection from malware at no additional cost.
Interested individuals can check their address for eligibility at teammidwest.com/internet. MEC will announce new construction areas for the second half of 2025 in June.
