Frequently Asked Questions

We serve most of Northwest Lower Michigan, including Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Towns include Traverse City, Rapid City, Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Kewadin, Northport, Torch Lake, Williamsburg, and many more. Check your exact address for fiber or wireless availability.

We offer symmetrical speeds (same download and upload) from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, with multi-gigabit options (2 Gbps+) coming soon in select areas. All plans include unlimited data.

Fiber optic technology delivers over 99.99% uptime and is far more reliable than cable, DSL, or wireless. It's resistant to weather, interference, and degradation over time. Wireless plans also provide excellent reliability with local signal optimization.

No long-term contract is required on most residential plans. Our service is month-to-month.

Plans start as low as $52.95/month in select areas (prices vary by location, speed, and service type). Wireless plans often start lower. All plans include unlimited data with no hidden fees. Check your address for exact pricing.

We specialize in internet but offer VoIP phone service (residential $30/month, business cloud PBX $15 base + $15/extension*). Fax (eFax) is also available ($30/month). For TV, we recommend streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu, etc.) that work perfectly on our high-speed network.
* - When bundled with internet service

Local Northern Michigan support — real people who know the area. Office hours Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, technical support 24/7/365. Call 888-299-0071 or email support@186networks.net. Click the support icon for instant chat, in bottom right of our website. We respond quickly because we're right here in the community.

Fiber uses thin strands of glass to transmit data as light signals — much faster and more reliable than copper cable or wireless. It delivers symmetrical speeds with virtually no interference or degradation over distance.

No data caps and no throttling — ever. All plans include truly unlimited internet.

For fiber: We provide a fiber ONT (Optical Network Terminal) — included in standard service. A managed Wi-Fi router is available as an optional add-on. For wireless: We install an outdoor antenna and indoor modem/router — all included.

Professional installation is included at no extra cost for standard on-net connections (up to 300 feet of fiber drop in select areas). Here's what to expect:

• Pre-Installation: We'll coordinate Miss Dig 811 to mark utilities (required by law, 2–3 days prior). You'll map private underground items (sprinklers, septic, etc.) to avoid damage.
• Install Day (2–4 hours): An adult (21+) must be present. Technician runs fiber/wireless line, installs ONT or modem, sets up router, tests speeds, and shows you how it works.
• After: Enjoy immediate service!

Complex properties may require extra time/fees (quoted upfront).

Fiber uses light signals over glass strands — symmetrical speeds, ultra-low latency, immune to interference/weather. Cable uses copper coax (fast download, slow upload, shared neighborhood bandwidth). DSL uses copper phone lines (slow, degrades over distance). Fiber is faster, more reliable, and future-proof.

Yes! We understand many Northern Michigan homes are seasonal. To qualify for seasonal rates, a minimum of 6 consecutive months of active regular service per year is required.

Off-season options:

• $15/month – Equipment Hold: No active service, but equipment stays installed and ready.
• $20/month – Basic IoT Plan: 1 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up – good for security cameras/smart devices.
• $30/month – Light Usage Plan: 30 Mbps symmetrical – enough for occasional visits (email, browsing, light streaming).

Resume full service anytime with no reactivation fees.

We're expanding rapidly! Register your interest on our site — we'll notify you first when fiber (or wireless) reaches your address. Check current coverage with our Availability Tool.