Astrea, a division of CCI Systems, Inc. has been awarded just under $16 Million in funding through Michigan’s Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program. These funds, combined with nearly $3 million from Astrea, will be used to construct about 200 miles of fiber optic cable enabling a reliable Internet connection for roughly 2,000 homes and businesses in Eastern Chippewa County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
“These could be considered some of the most remote and unserved areas in Michigan,” said Cory Heigl, Vice President of Astrea. “Our mission is to bring true high-speed connections to rural communities. Without the ROBIN grant program, people who live in areas like this would continue to be left behind. This project will provide the broadband infrastructure needed to promote economic development, educational and healthcare opportunities, and job creation.”
“We are truly excited,” commented Mark Eitrem, Sugar Island Township Supervisor. “The Sugar Island Township Board recognizes that bringing broadband internet to Sugar Island is the most dynamic, life-changing event since the cellphone.”
Upon completion, serviced homes and businesses will have access to internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, with future-proof infrastructure capable of delivering 10 Gbps. Construction is expected to start in the spring and take around 2 years, with the first locations expected to be connected in late 2024. Residents will soon be able to enjoy the kind of internet connection that is typically only found in big cities.
About Astrea
Based in Iron Mountain, MI, Astrea helps over 60 rural communities throughout Wisconsin and northern Michigan connect to family, healthcare, work, education, and entertainment by delivering reliable high-speed Internet and Phone services to homes and businesses. CCI Systems, Inc. is 100% employee-owned and has built an extensive infrastructure that offers Internet speeds up to 1 Gig in places that were formerly under-served.
To learn more about Astrea visit astreaconnect.com/who-we-are.