State Rep. David W. Martin (R-Davison) this week joined local officials and broadband representatives at a groundbreaking event in Davison to celebrate the expansion of high-speed internet access across the region.

The event, hosted by Peninsula Fiber Network and 123NET on Monday, marks the beginning of a major broadband infrastructure project aimed at bringing reliable and affordable internet to more homes and businesses in Genesee County. The initiative is part of a broader effort to close the digital divide and ensure that every Michigan resident, regardless of location, has the tools needed to succeed in the modern economy.

“Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” said Martin. “Expanding broadband means better opportunities for our students, stronger support for our small businesses, and more access to essential services like healthcare and job training. I am proud to support projects like this that are delivering real results for our constituents at a responsible cost.”

The project is a testament to growing collaboration between the state and private sector partners like Peninsula Fiber Network and 123NET, who are investing in the future of rural and underserved communities across Michigan. The planned $87 million fiber optic broadband expansion is expected to support economic development, improve educational outcomes, and connect more families to the digital world. The project, which runs between Port Huron and Flint, is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete and will lay the groundwork to connect more than 2,500 homes and businesses in Lapeer, Macomb, St. Clair, and Genesee counties to reliable high-speed internet through local internet service providers. It is joined by two other ongoing expansion efforts, serving Northern Michigan and West Michigan. All three projects are projected to be finished by June 2028. Throughout his time in office, Martin has been a consistent advocate for infrastructure development and rural connectivity for thousands of state residents who currently don’t have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.

“Improving access to high-speed internet helps our economy, our workforce, our young people and more.,” Martin said. “It’s time we roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

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