MARQUETTE, Mich., Feb. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Connect Michigan joined its partners, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Connected Nation Exchange (CNX), to launch an innovative application for locating Michigan's fastest digital infrastructure, called Michigan Connects(TM).
"Ultra-high-speed infrastructure is critical for securing Michigan's place in the digital economy," said Steve Arwood, CEO at MEDC. "The carriers on this map clearly recognize this mission and are ready to serve our communities, residents, businesses, and institutions with the fastest Internet connections available."
The app (available here: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/broadband ) enables site selectors, economic development professionals, corporations, entrepreneurs, and local government officials to quickly identify Michigan communities with the fastest Internet connections. Finding locations with fiber connections is critical as Michigan and its city-regions compete nationally and internationally for jobs, talent, and workforce investment.
Internet connectivity at a site is no longer an afterthought for businesses looking to locate in the state. In order to address the need, the app provides users with a list of broadband providers that fall into three categories:
- carriers with fiber optic networks within ¼ mile of the user's click or address;
- carriers offering broadband service at speeds of 100 Mbps or faster by any technology platform; and
- carriers with fiber optic networks in the municipality where the user clicked or the address is located.
Michigan companies are already taking advantage of this real-time data source for locating service. Connor Sports Wood Mill (located in Amasa in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) was in need of a high-speed Internet connection to link offices and production locations. Using the new Michigan Connects™ map, along with assistance from Connect Michigan, Connor Sports was presented with every option for Internet service available to them. From this information, Connor Sports established a contract with Baraga Telephone for a new fiber connection to be installed as soon as the ground thaws in the spring.
"Baraga Telephone Company is thankful to serve Connor Sports. Being a local communications utility provider, like many other Michigan businesses, we are committed to the prosperity of our area," said Koray Inal, Vice President, Baraga Telephone Company. "We continuously invest in our infrastructure to bring competitive and quality service to our customers, which will result in Connor Sports getting the broadband connectivity their business needs."
Additionally, Michigan's broadband industry benefits from the data, using it as a resource in expansion planning and network build-out into underserved areas. Last mile providers and rural communities will find valuable information for finding fiber connections to expand or upgrade existing facilities to connect all Michigan residents, businesses, and institutions.
Using the new Michigan Connects™ map, users can find a comprehensive list of ultra-high-speed network connectivity throughout the state, among other key features, including:
- Detailed data and analytics about last mile and long haul fiber optic networks from commercial and public-sector providers;
- Resources and information designed to support site selection for bandwidth-intensive enterprises and industries, including data center operations;
- Fiber optic and last mile broadband data provided by 100+ of Michigan's telecommunications carriers, searchable to street level address or point-and-click coordinates;
- Drill-down capabilities which provide data for key demographics, local schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, government properties, and public safety; and
- Economic development and job support resources, programs, and physical facilities aggregated into a single, easy-to-use map.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism, film and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. More at www.michiganbusiness.org .
About CNX (Connected Nation Exchange) is disrupting the community broadband market by automating market analytics and asset management geared towards expanding networks. CNX helps a community unlock the value of their assets that are useful for broadband network expansion and development, including dark and lit fiber, rooftops, towers, utility poles, rights-of-way, and raw land. More at www.cnx.io .
About Connect Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Public Service Commission, is working to ensure that all Michiganders can experience the benefits of broadband. Technology, especially widespread access, adoption, and use, improves quality of life. More at www.connectmi.org .
Kasey McCrary 202-340-5776
