People in Kent City say internet ‘sucks’

Kent City sign. (July 2, 2024)

KENT CITY, Mich. (WOOD) — Depending on the day, many people in Kent City say their internet isn’t good.

It gets so bad it’s hard for some to do their jobs. Another internet provider says it’s coming to Kent City, but it’s not clear when.

“It sucks. Can I say that on camera? It sucks,” said Mandy Richardson, a preschool teacher.

That’s how Richardson describes the internet in the area, which is only 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan. She’s a teacher at Telemon Kent City Migrant Head Start.

“It’s kind of hard to do a job if you are depending on the internet,” she said.

Richardson said some days are better than others.

“It’s hit or miss with the weather, depending on if it’s super sunny it’s great, but you got the clouds it’s downhill,” said Richardson.

Veronica Escamilla-Rodriguez, the program director at the Head Start said it’s been an on-and-off problem for years.

“One comment a teacher made today is that it kicks her off a lot,” she said.

The librarian at the Kent District Library said service is good in town. But farther away from the city limit, there are areas that are bad and that sends people to the library.

This week, Spectrum announced it’s expanding broadband in Kent County to more than 440 homes and small businesses in portions of Ada, Algoma, Cannon, Grattan, Sparta, and Vergennes townships.

It’s part of the company’s $5 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund in underserved rural communities. But Tyrone Township, where Kent City is, isn’t on this list — at least right now.

“It’s frustrating, it’s very frustrating,” said Richardson.

Richardson is hoping to get relief, and wants to know when they are going to get it.

“If they can give us a date, I’d much rather see that,” she said.

A spokesperson for Spectrum says it’s coming to Kent City, but there’s no date yet.