West Michigan broadband Internet service to expand into underserved communities

West Michigan folks will have more broadband Internet service options and could see lower bills, thanks to a $33.3 million federal grant awarded to an Ann Arbor-based research and education provider, Merit Network, Inc.

The non-profit organization which is comprised of 12 public universities in Michigan -- including Grand Valley State, Ferris State, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and the University of Michigan -- is rolling out its Rural, Education, Anchor, Community and Heath care -- Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative project.

According to excerpts from the story:

The effort is a 955-mile extension of the firm's existing 1,600-mile fiber-optic backbone network. The 32-county project will improve broadband offerings for underserved communities in Michigan, including primarily rural areas of Ottawa, Allegan and Muskegon counties

Read the complete story here.