Internet company changes in Casco

Rural Gig was a Casco-based wireless internet service provider

Rural Gig LLC, a Casco Township-based internet provider, ceased operations on June 30, 2025. Formed in 2018, the company provided internet service to residents in Casco and Ganges Townships with some reach into South Haven, Geneva and Clyde Townships. Rural Gig was a wireless internet provider and announced plans to close in February of 2025. Reasons for the closure include the inroads fiber technology is making into its service area, as well as unfavorable lease terms. "Fiber is the broadband solution we have all been waiting for," founder Julie Cowie said.

Casco resident John Sokel provided the technical expertise to launch and sustain the company. Will Hart, Casco resident, provided strategy and installation solutions to many clients around the area. The team of three were supported by an enthusiastic and loyal customer base, many of whom remained subscribers for the entire duration of the internet service provider's tenure.

Casco residents can check their address at www.allegancounty.org/broadband to see what provider is slated to bring broadband to their home.

Frontier is making plans to bring fiber to the southwestern part of Casco Township. Residents near the North Shore roundabout may have noted "Miss Dig" flags covering streets and ditches ahead of conduit boring for the Frontier fiber install. Areas targeted include the neighborhood west of Camp S'More, the Macbeth neighborhood, and northward to Daydreamer Domes. Residents are welcome to check Frontier Fiber Expansion | Check Availability or Nominate to determine if their address is included in the Frontier expansion.

MEC, (Midwest Energy & Communications) has been active in the Township since last Fall. www.123.net is also slated to connect Casco homes to broadband later this year or in 2026. Both companies have received grant funding to fuel their mission, and delays in broadband funding may impact the proposed installation timelines.

Note: Julie Cowie, publisher of Casco Township news, is a founder of Rural Gig LLC and married to Will Hart.