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The People and Vision Behind TCLPfiber

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY…

Traverse City Light & Power has been here for the people and businesses of Traverse City, delivering the services that make a difference. As a trusted partner, we’re proud to have been a part of Traverse City’s development into one of Northern Michigan’s most desirable places to work, play and live. And we’re not done — not by a long shot.

Responding to the need

The last decade has seen tremendous growth in digital technology and a deepening divide between communities with affordable high-speed broadband internet and those without it. 

In 2016, TCLP began envisioning a world-class communications infrastructure offering gigabit broadband internet access for Traverse City-area residents, businesses and others.

A 21st-century connected vision

The key pillars supporting the vision included the following:

  • TCLP views fiber-based broadband connectivity as an essential utility, just like the electric service we have provided since 1912.
  • Every home, business, nonprofit organization, government entity and educational institution should have the opportunity to connect.
  • Providing equal and affordable access to communications infrastructure and service is essential to promoting equal opportunity in business, education, employment, health care and all other aspects of everyday life.
  • Greater access to broadband helps lower business costs, attract and retain highly skilled residents and new industries, and create sustainable new jobs in our entrepreneurial economy.
  • Robust business, residential and institutional connectivity will also expand opportunities for local students in K–12 and beyond, and enable more open government and civic engagement.
  • We intend to empower our citizens and local businesses to be network economy producers — not just consumers of network information and data services.

Smart phased-in approach

Using a measured, incremental roll-out plan, TCLPfiber ensures the network is successful and sustainable. The plan divides Traverse City into five distribution areas.

In Phase I, we connected approximately 2,000 homes and businesses, in the heart of Traverse City. Then, we are moving on to the subsequent phases, connecting the areas where interest is greatest. With much of the network already built out, the hard work of bringing customers online is already completed.

Designed and owned by the community, managed by TCLP

TCLPfiber is a community-wide initiative led by the TCLP Board and staff. In addition, supporters representing for-profit and nonprofit boards, advocacy groups, tech incubators, educational institutions and neighborhood associations have been instrumental in launching TCLPfiber.

Connected to a brighter future

TCLPfiber is connecting the Traverse City community to a brighter future, one subscriber at a time. Your community, your future, your fiber network.