What Calhoun County residents should know about broadband expansion

By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News

After years of planning, Calhoun County’s broadband expansion effort is entering a new phase in 2026: getting more residents connected.

That means residents could see more construction, hear more from internet providers or wonder why crews are working near roads and rights-of-way.

Here’s what residents should know:

What is broadband?

Broadband generally refers to high-speed internet service.

Fiber connects homes and businesses through fiber-optic cable and is generally considered the fastest and most reliable option. Another way to receive internet is through wireless service, which uses radio signals from nearby towers or equipment. Satellite service may be used in harder-to-reach areas where fiber is not practical.

“It’s infrastructure, the same way we see roads and bridges, electricity, water,” said Lynn Meikle, communications specialist for Calhoun County. “The internet in this day and age is infrastructure.”

While internet access was once viewed as a luxury or convenience, it is increasingly tied to school, work, telehealth, social connection and access to information.

Why is broadband expansion happening now?

Broadband access has been a focus in Calhoun County for several years.

The Calhoun County Broadband Task Force formed in 2021 and spent several years gathering survey responses, mapping service gaps and studying broadband needs across the county.

In 2026, some of that work is moving from maps and planning documents into construction.

“The money is starting to flow finally, and infrastructure is finally starting to be put into place,” Meikle said.

Much of that is tied to the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which helps fund service to locations that lack reliable broadband access. Calhoun County accounts for 6.2% of all BEAD-funded locations statewide, the highest share of any Michigan county.

More: How the Marshall modernization project is changing the roads

Not all broadband construction is BEAD-funded. Meikle said internet providers are also expanding infrastructure through private investment.

What is happening in Calhoun County?

County broadband documents show 10 internet service providers have been awarded funding to provide broadband service to more than 12,000 locations in Calhoun County.

Maps show fiber projects planned across much of the county, including rural areas where earlier studies identified thousands of unserved or underserved locations.

Who is responsible for broadband expansion?

Broadband expansion involves internet service providers, state agencies and local government.

Internet service providers

• Build and operate broadband networks.
• Complete construction projects.

State agencies

• Administer broadband funding programs and oversee the grant process.

Calhoun County

• Coordinates with providers and local governments.
• Helps connect providers with local officials.
• Assists with communication and permitting.
• Tracks project activity and responds to resident questions.

“We’re not responsible for putting in the infrastructure,” Meikle said. “We’re not in charge of the money.”

Why are crews digging near roads and properties?

As broadband projects move forward, residents may notice utility crews working along roads and rights-of-way.

Public rights-of-way are strips of land along roads that utilities can use for infrastructure projects. Providers must obtain permits and follow local requirements before work can begin.

Construction may happen months before residents can sign up for new service.

How does broadband affect life in Calhoun County?

Broadband access affects how residents use everyday services, from school and work to health care, public information and staying connected with others.

Residents without reliable service often need to find another place to connect for schoolwork, work or other online tasks.

Once people gain access, then what?

Expanding broadband infrastructure is one piece of a larger effort to make sure residents can get online, afford service and use digital tools.

The county also created a Digital Connections Committee focused on digital skills training, device access and affordability programs. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance named Calhoun County a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its broadband planning and digital inclusion work.

“The next steps are making sure people have access to devices and making sure that people have access to the training they need and the information they need in order to use that,” said Angela Semifero, director at Marshall District Library and chair of the Calhoun County Digital Connections Committee. “We want people to be connected to what they need… broadband is something that helps people connect to what they need.”

What should residents expect next?

Infrastructure improvements are expected to take several years and includes engineering, permitting, construction and community outreach. Digital skills training will likely be ongoing to meet people where they’re at.

Learn more

Residents can find additional information via:

• Calhoun County Broadband Initiative webpage
• Calhoun County broadband map by township
• Michigan Broadband Map address lookup
• Calhoun County Broadband Task Force email updates
• information@calhouncountymi.gov

How we reported this: This explainer is based on publicly available Calhoun County Broadband Task Force materials, county broadband maps and additional reporting, including interviews with Calhoun County Communications Specialist Lynn Meikle and Marshall District Library Director Angela Semifero.

Disclosure: Lucy Hough, assistant director of community development for Calhoun County and a co-founder of Black Squirrel News, contributed to this report.