Font size:
"The only states to have more (broadband) providers than Michigan are, not coincidentally, those with larger populations needing more service. The marketplace is simply responding in a reasonable way to different levels of demand in different areas. The MEDC wants to disrupt that process."
(Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Nov. 2, 2001)
Here are facts about broadband access in Michigan today:
Nearly 100% of Ameritech central offices can provide T1 and ISDN services today. Some 2.1 million Michigan homes and businesses have DSL available today from Ameritech.
91% of Michigan rural company exchanges have T1 level broadband services available today.
High-speed satellite Internet service is available virtually everywhere in Michigan and the continental U.S., from cities to the most remote rural areas.
It is estimated that nearly 73% of households have access to cable modem broadband services today.
Because the market is working, access to broadband is increasing almost daily in Michigan. For example, 58% of Michigan rural company exchanges (non-Ameritech) will have DSL available by year-end 2002—a 25% increase over present levels.
33% of Michigan rural company exchanges (non-Ameritech) already have or will have DSL service available by year-end. Rural areas that already have broadband, or will by Dec. 31, include Allendale, Alston, Augusta, Banfield, Baraga, Barry County, Bear Lake, Bloomingdale, Branch, Brant, Brooklyn, Bundy Hill, Caro, Carr, Cedar, Chatham, Chesaning, Chippewa Lake, Climax, Concord, Coopersville, Deerfield, Delton, Drenthe, Empire, Galesburg, Glen Arbor, Goodrich, Hadley, Hanover-Horton, Hiawatha, Honor, Houghton, Kaleva, Lacey, Lake Ann, Lake Gogebic, L'Anse, Lennon, Lost Lake, Marlette, Mecosta, Millington, Montrose, Munising, New Lothrop, Ogden, Onstead, Ontonagon, Perry, Petersburg, Pinconing, Pine Lake, Powell Lake, Sanford, Scotts, Smoky Lake, Springport, Tapiola, Winn and too many other communities to list here.
Sources: TAM Member Survey, September 2001; Ameritech Michigan; J.P. Morgan; FCC Chairman Michael Powell; Mackinac Center for Public Policy
