Federal stimulus funding is finding its way to 13 counties in Michigan thanks to the work of
Air Advantage, a Frankenmuth-based Internet service provider.
Air Advantage will be using the funding for a $74.4 million project to provide broadband Internet service to consumers in Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola counties. The funding for the project is made possible through $64.2 million in grants and loans through the United States Department of Agriculture, matched by $10.2 million in private contribution by Air Advantage.
The application for the funding was part of a cooperative effort between Air Advantage, Saginaw Valley State University, REMC 10i, Lapeer Intermediate School District and Oakland and Macomb Counties.
"The cooperation of SVSU and all the local school districts, intermediate school district and county government agencies throughout the service area were key to the successful application," says Scott Zimmer, president of Air Advantage. "The new and robust air advantage network will allow rural customers access to products and services not previously available."
The project is expected to improve and expand the existing Air Advantage wireless network as well as construct a new fiber optics network. The new networks are expected to enhance the Internet access of 23 school districts, three intermediate school district as well as other entities including government, health care facilities and public libraries.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Scott Zimmer, Air Advantage
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