$26M expansion to bring broadband wireless to rural mid-Michigan

Stanton-based wireless provider Casair, Inc. is investing $26 million in an expansion of its high-speed wireless Internet service, bringing broadband to many rural mid-Michigan cities and townships. 

According to Casair owner Steve Meinhardt, the expansion will create jobs, empower individuals, and help connect business to new opportunities. "With direct hires and subcontractors, we have approximately 42 known full-time workers on the project," Meinhardt says.

For individuals in the rural areas, the expansion brings a degree of relief. "We have a constant stream of letters thanking us for bringing high-speed [Internet] to their areas. Many explain to us that it is a large burden for them to have to drive somewhere to gain access."

The expansion should also prove a boon to businesses. "Access to high-speed broadband is a requirement prior to development for an area. For most businesses, it is nearly impossible to operate without Internet access."

Meinhardt says with the current rollout, most of the wireless access will be built out by the end of 2013, and 400 miles of fiber will be completed by fall of 2014.

Casair, Inc. is a privately held provider of Internet and technology services for commercial, anchor, and residential customers in Mid-Michigan. To learn more about Casair, you can visit their site here.

Source: Steve Meinhardt, Casair
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor