Northern Michigan University Sells Broadband Network for $21 Million as Buyer Plans 5G Upgrade
Updated
Updated · Radioresultsnetwork.com · Aug 25
Northern Michigan University Sells Broadband Network for $21 Million as Buyer Plans 5G Upgrade
3 articles · Updated · Radioresultsnetwork.com · Aug 25
Summary
$21 million will go to Northern Michigan University under a board-approved deal to sell its Educational Access Network to Michigan Broadband Services, with closing still subject to FCC approval later this fall.
MBS was chosen after NMU formally explored a sale in 2025, with the buyer pledging to upgrade the Upper Peninsula network from 4G to 5G, expand rural coverage and keep one free internet connection for NMU students and employees.
NMU said the proceeds will shore up finances and fund priorities including retiring a roughly $6.5 million launch loan, covering about $1 million in deal costs and supporting a $4.7 million employee separation program.
The university also expects to direct part of the money to a required $9 million match for its new College of Business building, at least $3 million for academic initiatives and recruitment, and more than $1.5 million in scholarships over 10 years.
NMU built the off-campus network starting in 2009 and expanded it into the Educational Access Network in 2017, filling broadband gaps across the Upper Peninsula when commercial providers were scarce.