Highline Celebrates Finished Construction in Michigan’s Thumb Region

SANDUSKY, MI – Highline hosted a celebration event in Sandusky, MI, for the recent completion of construction to the obligated Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) homes and businesses in Michigan’s Thumb region. The company hosted the milestone event with the community and several honored guests from the White House, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, Senator Gary Peters’ office, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi).

Highline now offers gigabit fiber internet service to more than 8,000 homes in Sanilac, Tuscola, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties.

“Highline’s state-of-the-art 823-mile fiber-optic network was built with a combination of private investment backed by ITC Capital Partners and the FCC’s RDOF grant program. While representing fourteen percent of Highline’s total RDOF location commitment, Highline was able to complete this geographic portion of the network in two years rather than by the end of 2027,” said Highline’s Bruce Moore, President and General manager – Midwest.

The RDOF is a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bridge the digital divide and expand broadband internet access in rural areas. The program aims to bring fixed broadband and voice services to millions of unserved households and businesses in rural America. The funds are allocated through a competitive auction process, and internet service providers (ISPs) bid to receive funding to deploy broadband infrastructure in eligible areas. The milestone event included remarks by Will McIntee, Senior Advisor of Public Engagement at the White House; Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA; Jennifer Swift, Regional Director for Senator Gary Peters' office; Jessica Randall, representing MiHi; and Cam Lanier, Chairman of the Board of ITC Capital Partners.

During the celebratory event, Highline completed a fiber internet connection to a nearby customer for a school teacher able to move back home now that there is a viable internet connection.

“Seeing firsthand how this connection provides opportunity at home in our rural communities was incredible,” said Will McIntee, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the White House. “That is why President Biden believes so strongly in delivering reliable and affordable high-speed internet for all, and projects like this are an example of that.”

Jennifer Swift presented a Senatorial Congratulation Certificate from US Senator Gary Peters' office. Jessica Randall shared congratulatory remarks for Michigan’s broadband office. Shirley Bloomfield of NTCA presented a Smart Rural Community Award to the Argyl Township.