Internet Connectivity Committee
Improving Internet Access and Reliability for Businesses and Residents
High-speed internet access is more important to our community than ever. As virtual work, learning and telemedicine have become more commonplace, it’s crucial that our businesses and residents have affordable access to this essential utility.
The Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee was formed in 2019 with the mission to provide high-speed internet in Midland County which is critical for our community to thrive. The goal is to provide all Midland County households, businesses and schools with access to affordable, quality broadband. The Committee works with industry experts to identify high-priority areas and cost-efficient measures to deliver high-speed internet to significant portions of the population helping to close the digital divide.
Help MCIC Verify the FCC National Broadband Map
We need your support to FIX THE INTERNET!
What can I do to help bring internet to my home or business?
You can help verify your location and internet connection on the National Broadband Map. This will help determine locations that will receive federal funding to deploy internet infrastructure in areas of need. Visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov to find your address and challenge inaccurate information. You can also download the FCC app on your mobile device and run a speed test to challenge the speeds reported for your area.
Plan of Action
- Identify and Prioritize Areas of Need: Identify and prioritize key geographic and populated areas throughout the county that warrant actions to improve broadband service levels.
- Work with Local Broadband Providers: Determine the reasons why some areas of the community remain unserved, determine the feasibility of deploying various broadband technologies in the defined area, and assess the business case for deployment.
- Develop and Evaluate Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage existing community assets in partnership with private sector carriers to expand broadband network deployment.
- Ensuring Internet is Accessible and Affordable: Communicate resources available to ensure internet is accessible for school, healthcare, work and more through federal programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP.
- Identify and Pursue Opportunities to Increase Download Speeds: Provide sufficient speeds and bandwidth for county residents and workers in local public safety facilities.
Recent MCIC Committee News
- Help Inform Internet Funding with the FCC Map and Mobile App
- Cyber Security Awareness Month
- New Antennas Expand Internet Access for North Midland Family Center
Broadband News in Midland County
- Spectrum Launces Gigabit Broadband to Over 100 Homes and Small Businesses
- Find Low-Cost Internet Service & Computers Locally
Broadband News
- SpaceX Collaborates with T-Mobile to Provide Universal Cellular Connectivity
- AT&T Contributes $6 Million for Digital Literacy Initiatives Nationwide
Digital Literacy
Members of the Committee
The committee is a collaboration between the Midland Business Alliance, Midland Area Community Foundation, Midland County and other community representatives.
Midland Internet Connectivity Committee includes:
Chris Cantrell, Midland County
Bridgette Gransden, Midland County
Helen Myers, Dow Retiree/Community Volunteer
Sharon Mortensen, Midland Area Community Foundation
Jonathan Myers, Midland County Road Commission
Dave Sovereen, Mercury Network
James Mallory, Midland County ESA
Scott Noesen, Midland County
Jack Robinson, Dow Retiree/Community Volunteer
Jenny Bruzewski, Midland Business Alliance
Tony Stamas, Midland Business Alliance