One of the most advanced Internet technology projects in the nation is set to roll out to the first users in about 45 days in Muskegon County.
WiMAX, a high-speed Internet service that can send signals through the air like WiFi, but over much greater distances, will come online in the rural areas of Holton and Egleston townships.
After Holton and Egleston, the company will begin working on Moorland and Cedar Creek townships, and will provide WiMAX coverage to the entire county by next April.
The Internet connections are significant because they allow the kind of Internet access to rural residents and businesses that can only be found in urban areas.
Lansing-based
Arialink has begun construction of the WiMAX towers in Holton Township and is planning to move to Egleston the next week. The towers look similar to cell phone towers, but carry Internet signals that can be picked up by homes equipped with special antennas. Residential customers will pay $18.99 for the service.
This county-wide coverage with WiMAX, which delivers broadband speed access, is very rare nationally, though it is becoming more common. The $4.6 million project is being funded with grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a loan from the Michigan Broadband Development Authority.
Rich Houtteman of economic development group Muskegon Area First, says he think it will be a significant boost the community in recruiting and retaining new economy-style companies.
Source: Megan Bryan, Arialink; Rich Houtteman, Muskegon Area First
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