In Michigan, two smaller-scale, local broadband internet providers announced last January they want to join forces to expand coverage and grow as a collective unit. Last Tuesday, Peninsula Fiber Network and WINN Communications said the companies are going ahead with the merger and combined will host a fiber optic network spanning over 6,000 miles across three states – Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The merger will connect municipalities in the Upper Peninsula as well as border counties in Wisconsin. Most of the Lower Peninsula will also be covered sans counties bordering Indiana. Together, Peninsula Fiber Network and WINN Communications will make it easier for local hospitals, 9-1-1 services, and first responders to reliably communicate via the companies’ fiber optic networks.
“It fills a very important missing piece in our current network. It just seems like it’s an excellent fit for both PFN and for WINN, as well as our customers,” said Scott Randall, General Manager of Peninsula Fiber Network.
Peninsula Fiber Network was recently granted an Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program Award for over $87.5 million to bring middle mile infrastructure to over 35,000 rural homes. The money will go towards placing 535 route miles of new middle mile fiber into existing networks to connect Michigan’s “unserved and underserved communities with a commitment to open access and carrier neutral non-discriminatory interconnect” over the next five years.
In total, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program is providing $1 billion towards connecting local networks in 35 states to high-capacity national and regional networks.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved the merger, finding it “acceptable for filing.” Before the merger is officially given the green light, the Commission will allow for comments before June 28th. You can read the full public notice and, if so inclined, find information to submit comments towards the end of the document. Any responses to submitted comments must be replied to by July 5th.