FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AVS Broadband Sets Statewide Example in Effort to End Human Trafficking
Company encourages other ISPs to join effort to combat human trafficking statewide
PIGEON, Mich., November 11, 2025 – AVS Broadband, a leading internet service provider serving Michigan’s Thumb and Northern Regions, has become the first ISP in Michigan to achieve Operation IFast (Internet-Focused Anti-Sex-Trafficking) certification from The Guardian Group, marking a major step forward in Michigan’s efforts to curb human trafficking.
As part of its certification process, AVS Broadband partnered closely with the Huron County Sheriff’s Department and the Village of Pigeon Police Department to strengthen coordination between internet providers and local law enforcement. The collaboration aims to improve community-based awareness, detection and reporting of potential trafficking activity, all while maintaining strict respect for customer privacy.
Operation IFast is a nationwide initiative that equips internet service providers with training and tools to recognize and report activity that could indicate human trafficking. Participation in IFast does not involve surveilling customers’ internet traffic, but rather focuses on educating staff to detect suspicious activity, and responsible communication with law enforcement when appropriate.
“We’re honored to be the first ISP in Michigan to earn IFast certification, but our hope is that we won’t be the last,” said Barb Main, director of AVS Broadband. “Our partnerships with the Huron County Sheriff’s Department and the Village of Pigeon Police Department show what’s possible when service providers and public safety agencies work together for the good of our communities.”
AVS Broadband’s achievement reflects a broader commitment by its parent company, Agri-Valley Communications, Inc. (AVCI), to expand this training throughout its family of businesses, including Pigeon Telephone, Thumb Cellular, AVS Broadband and the AVS Tech Team. The goal is to have majority of its staff trained in human trafficking detection and response.
“Our mission has always been to bring big city services to our rural communities,” said Edwin H. Eichler, president and CEO of AVCI. “Now, through the Operation IFast program, we’re taking that mission a step further by helping ensure the communities we serve are safe from the exploitation and harm of human trafficking.”
AVS Broadband is calling on other Michigan ISPs to pursue Operation IFast certification and join the growing coalition of telecommunications providers using their platforms to promote awareness, prevention, and response efforts related to human trafficking.
For more information about Operation IFast program participation, visit: guardiangroup.org/operation-ifast/
About AVS Broadband
AVS Broadband is a residential and commercial broadband provider serving Michigan’s Thumb and Northern regions.
The company’s internet offerings are delivered via fiber-optic, fixed wireless and next-gen DSL networks. As Michigan’s first Smart Rural CommunityTM provider, AVS is committed to expanding vital internet connectivity to rural regions of the state.
Founded in 1996, AVS Broadband is a family-owned company. It is a subsidiary of Agri-Valley Communications and is headquartered in Pigeon, Michigan. avsbroadband.com
About Guardian Group
Guardian Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses open-source intelligence (OSINT) to identify victims of sex trafficking online. The publicly available information they find is passed to resource-constrained law enforcement agencies, free of charge, for action.
Through their unique volunteer program, Project 1591, everyday citizens with digital skills can also contribute to this critical mission, resulting in victims being offered a path to freedom faster.
To learn more or donate, visit www.guardiangroup.org.
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Media Contact
Richard Kuhn
AVCI Media Group
989-453-4444 (office)