CASSOPOLIS, Mich. — Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) announces that it has started construction of more than 160 miles of new fiber internet infrastructure as part of its continued efforts to expand high-speed broadband to rural southern Michigan residents. At various times throughout the final six months of 2026, construction will take place exclusively in rural areas near Benton Harbor, Concord, Constantine, Covert, Hartford, Maybee, Schoolcraft, and White Pigeon. This project will bring a new high-speed option to roughly 3,500 residences and businesses that currently lack access to reliable broadband internet.
In the first six months of 2026, MEC also finished construction to 11,252 rural addresses in areas near Addison, Adrian, Albion, Battle Creek, Bellevue, Coloma, Covert, Fennville, Gobles, Hartford, Jackson, Milan, Olivet, Pittsford, Three Oaks, and White Pigeon.
As an electric and fiber internet cooperative that has been headquartered in rural southern Michigan for nearly 90 years, MEC knows the problems rural Michigan residents face. Reluctance by larger providers to bring modern connectivity to the rural space has resulted in a digital divide that can leave individuals and businesses to rely on options that are prone to interference and instability.
In the 1930s, MEC brought electricity to unserved rural residents. In that same spirit, the cooperative rolled out fiber internet in 2015, building high-speed connectivity to 95,526 residences and businesses throughout unserved and underserved areas of rural southern Michigan.
“For our customers, MEC fiber is more than just internet service. It’s a lifeline that means they can work and learn from home without interruptions, take advantage of telehealth services when a doctor might be an hour away, and stay in touch with family members where they live. MEC is proud to connect the vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities that we call home,” says Terry Rubenthaler, MEC president and CEO.
All MEC plans include unlimited data, Wi-Fi with an industry-leading router, advanced parental controls, and protection from malware, all at no additional cost. Interested individuals can check their address for eligibility at teammidwest.com/internet.