Our Mission & Timeline

Bridging the digital divide through determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to rural Michigan.

One Mission

Driven by Connection

Allband Communications Cooperative exists to bridge the digital divide in rural Northern Michigan. Our mission is simple but vital: provide reliable, high-speed internet, phone service, and Wi-Fi to communities that have historically been overlooked. We believe that access to advanced communications is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, business, healthcare, and emergency services. Every project, upgrade, and connection we make is guided by this commitment to serve people, not profit.

Our history is rooted in determination and local pride. What began as a single vision to bring better connectivity to a handful of local residents has grown into a cooperative serving over 150 members across 177 square miles in Alcona, Alpena, Oscoda, and Montmorency Counties. Along the way, we’ve expanded our service areas to reach over 1,400 new customers, investing in fiber-optic technology and introducing innovations like Wi-Fi Mesh systems and flexible seasonal plans, all tailored to meet the unique challenges of rural life.

Looking ahead, Allband continues to focus on the future of our communities. Our timeline of growth is more than dates and milestones; it’s a story of neighbors helping neighbors, of small communities gaining big opportunities, and of a cooperative committed to ensuring that every household and business in our service area can thrive in a connected world.

Learn More

Our Journey

How We Got Here

From local residents’ frustration to a thriving cooperative serving over 1,400 locations, our timeline tells the story of determination, innovation, and community collaboration.

The Beginning

After being denied basic telephone service, local residents began coordinating the formation of Allband with Michigan State University. What started as a few people needing 911 phone service, became a mission to connect an entire underserved region.

Early 2000

Official Incorporation

After extensive planning and organizational efforts, Allband filed its Articles of Incorporation with the State of Michigan, officially establishing Michigan’s first not-for-profit telephone cooperative.

November 3, 2003

Loan Application Filed

Allband filed a complete loan application with USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS), the only source of financing available to build the new network in such a rural, underserved area.

July 29, 2004

Temporary License Granted

The Michigan Public Service Commission granted Allband a temporary license to provide service in the Robbs Creek Exchange. A permanent license followed on December 2, 2004.

August 31, 2004

USDA RUS Funding Secured

Allband obtained USDA Rural Utility Service funding and began constructing an all-fiber, passive optical, state-of-the-art telecommunications network designed to provide both standard services and ubiquitous broadband access.

October 7, 2004

FCC Waiver Approved

The FCC granted Allband’s waiver, allowing the cooperative to be treated as an ILEC (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier) for NECA pooling and Universal Service purposes, a critical regulatory milestone.

August 11, 2005

$8 Million Loan Announced

The USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) Program officially announced an $8 million loan to fund the construction of Allband’s fiber-to-the-home network, making the dream a reality.

August 18, 2005

Construction Begins

Allband started construction in its Robbs Creek Exchange, breaking ground on infrastructure that would transform connectivity for rural Northeastern Michigan.

October 19, 2005

ETC Status Granted

The Michigan Public Service Commission granted Eligible Telecommunications Carrier status to Allband, enabling access to Universal Service funding to support rural telecommunications.

November 10, 2005

First Member Activated

Allband activated its first cooperative member, marking the beginning of service delivery and the realization of years of hard work and determination.

November 10, 2006

NECA Pools Membership

After obtaining necessary FCC waivers, Allband joined the National Exchange Carrier Association pools as an ILEC, allowing the cooperative to minimize administrative expenses and maintain reasonable rates.

December 2006

High Cost Loop Support

Allband began receiving High Cost Loop Support from USAC/NECA, enabling recovery of the high costs of providing network facilities and maintaining affordable rates for members.

January 2008

$9.7 Million ARRA Grants

Allband received two grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act totaling approximately $9.7 million to provide broadband access in unserved areas, dramatically expanding network reach and capability.

August 4, 2010

$16.9 Million Awarded to Expand Fiber Access

Allband received $12.7 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program and $4.2 million in matching funds from the State of Michigan to build a high-spend fiber to the home network in four rural counties in northeast Michigan. This network will provide high-speed internet to residences and businesses in Alcona, Iosco, Montmorency and Oscoda counties. Construction is expected to start in 2027.

June 2023

Continuing the Mission

Allband continues to expand its fiber-optic network, serving over 1,400 locations across 500 square miles with some of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in Michigan. The cooperative remains committed to bridging the digital divide and bringing world-class connectivity to rural America.

Today