Our Story
Founded in November 1996 as Chain O' Lakes Internet (COLI Inc.), 186Fiber began as a pioneering dial-up provider in Northwest Lower Michigan. At the time, online access was a luxury—often a long-distance call costing several dollars per hour. We made connectivity affordable and local, serving rural communities like Rapid City and Torch Lake when options were scarce.
Michigan's Oldest Continuously Owned ISP
As a family-owned company with strong ties to the Rapid City Michigan Area, 186Fiber predates major providers like Spectrum/Charter in Michigan internet services. Unlike Charter (founded 1993 as cable, Michigan expansion post-2000), we've remained independent, self-funded, and dedicated to our roots—no mergers or ownership changes.
In 2000, we launched fixed wireless services, expanding to Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. By 2013, we pioneered self-funded Fiber to the Home (FTTH), delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds. Today, as 186networks/186Fiber, we serve thousands with reliable, unlimited fiber, continuing to grow our network through community investment.
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