Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
LANSING — State Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, voted in favor of a plan his office said would help efforts to expand rural access to high-speed broadband internet in the Upper Peninsula Wednesday.
“Families and businesses across the Upper Peninsula need access to secure, reliable and affordable internet service,” Markkanen said in a statement. “The world today revolves around technology, and high-speed internet connection has become essential for everyday life. Expanding internet access to underserved areas will help students complete schoolwork, families connect to loved ones and local businesses operate more effectively.”
House Bills 4266 and 5266 allow electrical cooperatives in the state — including the Ontonagon County REA which serves Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw and Baraga counties — to add broadband services to existing lines on their electrical easements, according to Markkanen’s office.
The legislation would also eliminate some barriers Markkanen’s office said has prevented traditional providers from expanding into rural regions, which may increase the chance of competition and lower prices for consumers.
The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
—Richard Jenkins
