PRESS RELEASE
Lansing, Michigan — The Broadband Association of Michigan (BAM) announced that it has earned IFAST Certification (Operation IFAST - ISPs Fight Against Sex Trafficking) from the Guardian Group,a nonprofit organization that prevents and disrupts the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Throughout its 90-year history, BAM has actively supported and promoted the state's broadband and telecom industry. As the industry continues to evolve, BAM is committed to providing services and promoting policies that allow its members to thrive and becoming IFAST certified will continue the tradition of our more than 30 rural broadband providers of investing in the health and safety of Michigan’s residents.
The Broadband Association of Michigan is committed to training their team, connecting with law enforcement, including the Lansing Police Department, and supporting the mission in the fight against sex trafficking. They have stepped into a role of influence and protection within their community.
Operation IFAST is an initiative co-founded by Guardian Group, together with forward-thinking Internet Service Provider (ISP) CLTel, Clear Lake, Iowa, to turn the very thing being misused into a force for good. CLTel’s Chris Lovell recognized that what they provided their community, the internet, was meant only for good, and it was being used for unthinkable evil. While simultaneously 1,794 miles away, Guardian Group are using the same tool, the internet, to identify victims and connect with law enforcement nationwide to combat this evil. Operation IFAST was created with a shared purpose of protecting children nationwide, and it has become a catalyst for real change. “BAM is convinced that everyone has a responsibility for the most vulnerable in the community and is proud of their IFAST certification and encourages other broadband companies to become trained as well,” Joelle Demand, President of BAM.