December 2023 Construction Update

Thank you for your interest in MEC internet.

Have you paid your connection fee and are waiting for your installation? The update below shows when you can expect a call from us to schedule your appointment. We know waiting is hard, and we appreciate your patience. Please check your voicemails in case you miss a call from us.

We recently completed construction in these zones: Mottville B. Installs have begun or will begin shortly in this area.

Here’s the latest on where we are with construction for 2023:

• Arlington: Walkout work and permitting is complete. Mainline construction has begun, and home installations are anticipated to begin soon.
• Geneva: Walkout work and permitting are complete. Mainline construction has begun, and home installations are anticipated to begin in Q1 2024.
• Manchester: Walkout work and permitting is complete. Mainline construction is complete in some areas and installations have begun but due to the size of this zone, some installations will not be started until Q1 2024.
• Marshall: Walkout work and permitting is complete. Mainline construction has begun, and home installations can be expected in Q2 2024.
• Newton A-B: Walkout work and permitting is complete. Mainline construction is underway and home installations are anticipated to begin soon.
• Sharon A: Walkout work and permitting is complete. Mainline construction is just beginning, and home installations can be expected in Q2 2024.

ROBIN Announcement
MEC has partnered with Berrien County, Cass County, and Van Buren County along with several townships/villages to apply for funding through Michigan’s Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) Grant Program. We are excited to announce that support has been secured to build fiber internet to more addresses in Michigan.

Over the next several weeks, you may notice that more zones have been added to our zone map. Please be patient as we finalize our new construction plan. For more information about RDOF and ROBIN, click here. We will start updates on zones slated to start construction in 2024 in January.

FYI: Like with all construction projects, dates are subject to change. We send updates every month to keep you informed on progress. Once construction is complete in an area, it can take 6-12 weeks for installation depending on our current installation schedule.

Key Terms in the Fiber Construction Process:

Walkout Work: Involves surveying the area to decide how to lay fiber lines.

Mainline Construction: The mainline represents the backbone of our fiber infrastructure and carries fiber out into our communities.

Mainline Splicing: Connects the fiber cables together along this backbone.

Drop Construction (or Service Drop): We bring the fiber from the mainline to your property/home and install a network interface device (NID) on your property near the electric meter.

Drop Splice: We connect the mainline fiber to the service drop and the fiber cables inside the NID. This is the last step before home installation.

For more information about the fiber construction process, please review this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8pMeRsnQko