Futures

Jared Mauch’s Success Story: Building a Rural FTTH ISP in Michigan, (from page 20220824.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

In rural Michigan, frustrated with poor ISP options, Jared Mauch established his own fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet service, Washtenaw Fiber Properties LLC. Initially serving himself, the service quickly grew to 70 subscribers as Mauch’s network expanded. He secured $2.6 million in government funding to extend service to nearly 600 homes in Washtenaw County, overcoming challenges posed by commercial offerings like slow DSL from AT&T and high fees from Comcast. The network, currently 14 miles long, will grow by 38 miles to meet the new demand, providing affordable plans starting at $55 monthly for 100Mbps service. Mauch aims to complete the expansion by the end of 2023, ahead of the 2026 deadline.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise of Community ISPs More individuals are forming community-based ISPs due to dissatisfaction with major providers. Shift from reliance on major ISPs to locally-owned community ISPs. In 10 years, many rural areas may be served by locally-owned ISPs rather than large corporations. Frustration with poor service and high costs from traditional ISPs motivates local solutions. 4
Government Support for Rural Internet Increased government funding for rural internet infrastructure is becoming more common. Transition from private-only funding to substantial government support for rural internet access. Government initiatives may ensure universal high-speed internet access in rural areas. The need for digital equity and economic development in rural areas drives government investments. 5
Demand for Higher Speed Internet There is a growing demand for faster internet services in rural communities. Shift from slow, unreliable internet options to high-speed fiber-optic connections. Rural areas will likely have access to high-speed internet comparable to urban centers. Increased digital reliance for work, education, and entertainment drives demand for faster services. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Internet Accessibility Disparities Challenges and frustrations faced by rural users due to limited ISP options may exacerbate existing digital divides. 4
Reliance on Limited ISPs Dependence on a few providers may risk service stability and quality, especially in underserved areas. 5
Government Funding Allocation Potential mismanagement or inefficiencies in applying government funds for rural internet initiatives could hinder connectivity improvement. 4
Infrastructure Challenges Laying fiber in remote areas comes with high costs and logistical challenges, possibly delaying project completion. 3
Future Demand for Broadband Growing demand for high-speed internet may outpace local infrastructure development, leading to shortages or increased costs. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Community-Driven Internet Solutions Individuals in rural areas are banding together to create their own internet service providers due to dissatisfaction with commercial options. 5
Government Funding for Rural Connectivity Local governments are allocating funds to improve internet infrastructure in rural areas, recognizing the importance of connectivity. 4
DIY ISP Initiatives Tech-savvy individuals are establishing their own ISPs as a response to inadequate commercial services, promoting self-sufficiency. 4
Symmetrical Broadband Services Emerging ISPs are offering competitive symmetrical internet speeds, catering to the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. 4
Infrastructure Collaboration Rural communities are collaborating on infrastructure projects to extend internet access, leveraging government funding and expertise. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
FTTH (Fiber To The Home) ISP A high-speed internet service that delivers fiber optic cables directly to individual homes, improving connectivity in rural areas. 5
Starlink A satellite internet constellation project by SpaceX providing high-speed internet access globally, especially in remote areas. 4
5G Technology Next-generation mobile network technology offering faster speeds and more reliable internet connections, crucial for modern connectivity. 5
Government-funded Broadband Expansion Initiatives to fund and expand internet access in underserved areas, enhancing digital inclusion and infrastructure. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Rural Internet Access Initiatives Growing trend of rural residents establishing their own ISPs due to inadequate service from major providers. 5
Government Funding for Broadband Expansion Increased government allocation for broadband infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to enhance connectivity post-pandemic. 4
Fiber Optic Technology Adoption Rising adoption of fiber optic technology in rural areas to provide higher speed internet as a viable alternative. 4
Community-Driven Internet Solutions Emergence of community-led initiatives to address local internet connectivity challenges in underserved regions. 4
Competitive Pricing in ISP Services The introduction of competitive pricing models for internet services by local ISPs to attract more customers. 3