Branch County Broadband Expansion Reaches Nearly Half Completion Under ROBIN Grant
COLDWATER, MI (October 23, 2025) – The Branch County broadband project, developed in partnership with Frontier Communications through Michigan’s Realizing Opportunities with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program, has reached a major milestone — with construction now 45 percent complete.
According to Frontier representative Todd Kruse, who provided a quarterly update to the Branch County Board of Commissioners, work began in spring 2025 and has already connected 2,102 locations out of the 4,690 eligible under the ROBIN grant. To date, 430 customers have already subscribed to new Frontier fiber-optic internet service.
Construction is expected to continue through 2026, with the next wave of build-out focusing on areas around the City of Coldwater, Coldwater Lake, and Quincy.
“This project represents a transformational step toward ensuring that every Branch County resident has access to fast, reliable internet service,” said Frank Walsh, County Administrator. “We are deeply appreciative of Frontier’s partnership and the State of Michigan’s support through the ROBIN program, which is helping close the digital divide for rural communities.”
Background
Branch County began exploring broadband expansion in 2020 and formally partnered with Frontier in December 2022, contingent upon receiving state and federal grant funding.
In March 2023, the Board of Commissioners voted to pledge $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the project, which ultimately received a $22.4 million award through the ROBIN program.
Earlier this year, Branch County was approved for a $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to further strengthen rural broadband development.
About the Project
When complete, the Branch County–Frontier collaboration will deliver fiber-optic broadband access to approximately 4,690 locations countywide, extending high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses that have historically lacked reliable internet options.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
➡️ Click HERE to view the Michigan Broadband Map showing Branch County locations slated to receive service through the ROBIN grant.
Frontier Monthly Status Project Update As Of 9-30-2025