Unhappy with His Internet Provider, a Man Sets Up His Own Network and Competes with His Former Provider

Jared Mauch, a Michigan resident, faced a problem that many remote workers know all too well: unreliable internet. But instead of continuing to deal with slow speeds or switching to yet another provider, he decided to take matters into his own hands—literally. Frustrated with his options, Mauch created his own internet service provider and began competing directly with the very companies that let him down.

A Frustration That Sparked an Unconventional Solution

With the rise of remote work, a stable internet connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity. During the pandemic, countless people experienced the frustration of trying to work from home on a weak or unreliable connection. For Jared Mauch, who works as a network architect for Akamai, a company specializing in content delivery and internet infrastructure, his internet connection was critical for his job. Living in the rural township of Scio, Michigan, Mauch relied on his home internet to stay connected with colleagues and manage complex network systems.

But the options in his area were dismal. Back in 2002, he was forced to use a 1.5 Mbps connection, which was painfully slow even then. When he approached Comcast about expanding their service to his home, he was met with a staggering $50,000 installation fee. Unwilling to pay this astronomical sum, he took a different route. Leveraging his professional skills, Mauch decided to build his own network and founded his own internet service provider, Washtenaw Fiber Properties LLC.

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From a Personal Project to a Thriving Local ISP

What started as a personal endeavor quickly turned into a local success story. Mauch’s neighbors, who initially doubted his ability to set up a reliable network, soon noticed the benefits of his new infrastructure and became his first customers. By 2021, Mauch had connected around 30 clients, and by 2022, that number had more than doubled to over 70. Offering speeds of up to 500 Mbps, his service provided a welcome alternative to traditional providers.

With an initial investment of $145,000, Mauch’s company grew steadily. Thanks to federal funding aimed at expanding broadband access in rural areas, Washtenaw Fiber Properties is now set to expand even further. Mauch plans to connect an additional 417 homes and sites in rural areas surrounding Scio Township, offering internet packages at competitive prices: 100 Mbps for $55 per month and 1 Gbps for $79 per month.

Bringing High-Speed Internet to Underserved Rural Areas

For many residents in rural Michigan, Mauch’s new service is a game-changer. His competitively priced plans are not only affordable but also bring much-needed high-speed internet to an area that has long been underserved. Mauch’s efforts highlight the digital divide that often exists in rural communities. The issue isn’t unique to Michigan—similar gaps in internet access are seen in rural parts of the world.

Mauch’s approach to solving his own internet problem exemplifies the creativity and determination required to bridge this divide. While he continues to work at Akamai as a network architect, his role as an ISP owner has made a lasting impact on his community, allowing others to stay connected for work, school, and daily life.

The Impact of Closing the Digital Divide

Jared Mauch’s story underscores the challenges faced by people living in areas with limited internet access. His success shows how local, community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful difference in closing the digital divide. With over 15% of the French population lacking internet access, according to INSEE, it’s clear that similar initiatives are needed worldwide to bring connectivity to all, especially in remote and rural regions.

For residents of Scio Township, high-speed internet was once a far-off dream. Thanks to Mauch’s perseverance, it’s now a reality, paving the way for a future where rural communities have the same digital opportunities as their urban counterparts.

My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.