Townships may spend public funds to assist in providing broadband Internet access opportunities for public services, residents and businesses.

Michigan Telecommunications Act, Public Act 179 of 1991, [excerpt], MCL 484.2252 (sunsets Dec. 31, 2009)

Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act , Public Act 48 of 2003, [excerpt], MCL 484.3114

This can be done using a variety of business models and public/private sector partnerships. The goal of providing Internet service throughout Michigan is still a work in progress, but townships can be a valuable partner in the process.

Action Plan for Deploying Broadband Internet to Michigan Local Governments (.pdf)
Written by MTA and MDIT Office of Technology Partnerships 

Access to Broadband is Critical to Your Township’s Future
2006 January/February Michigan Township News

Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) Office of Local Technology Partnerships--Broadband Initiative Web page 

Case Study: Clam Union Township, Missaukee County

Clam Union Township is located in a dairy farming area with 10,000 cows and 1,000 people. A large dairy concern needed daily high-speed Internet access to relay information to its parent company and was considering moving from the township because the only area Internet providers would not extend service to the township because of the high cost of the infrastructure. 

The township did a study of wireless options, and the township board agreed to purchase a $22,000 wireless tower and lease it to one of the service providers. After the tower was put in, another provider deployed DSL, but only 3 miles from the provider's facilities.

Testifying before a Michigan House committee in 2007, Clam Union Township Supervisor Bradley VanHaitsma explained that there still is work to do to extend the service throughout the township, and there are some customer service issues, but the township views the broadband service in the same category as sewer and water--a needed service for the township.

Waterford Township, Oakland County Wireless/Remote Network RFP (2004)

Wireless Oakland--Oakland County's wireless initiative Web page 

Wireless Washtenaw--Washtenaw County's wireless initiative Web page

Wireless Genesee--Genesee County's wireless initiative Web page 

On February 18, 2008, Ottawa County and iPCS Wireless, Inc. approved a partnership agreement to expand a high-speed wireless broadband network countywide. Ottawa County's Web site

Hot Spots, Cool Cities--Grand Rapids Wireless Broadband Project Web page

Michigan Wireless Internet Web page

Telecommunications Industry Association Broadband Web page

Want To Bring High-Speed Wireless Internet Connections to Your Neighborhood, City or Town?
Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine
www.bbwexchange.com

Let There Be Wi-Fi
Broadband is the electricity of the 21st century--and much of America is being left in the dark.

Private-Sector, Public-Sector, Non-Profit and Joint Wireless Service Areas in Michigan