News
Surf Internet has announced a $30 million investment to expand their fiber-optic network in Grant County, Indiana.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
An investment of nearly $30 million will fund a fiber internet expansion to reach more than half of Grant County, Indiana’s population by next year.
Surf Internet, the company behind the investment, currently serves nearly 1,000 customers in the county. The company says it’s a milestone that represents years of investment.
The provider was the first to bring fiber internet to three cities in Grant County: Gas City, Jonesboro, and Marion, according to Surf. Currently, the ISP has also fiber located “in front of more than 4,000 homes in Grant County.”
Gene Crusie, Surf Internet’s CEO, offered comments included with the company’s recent announcement.
Crusie said Surf Internet believes a rising tide lifts all ships.
“That is why we have taken a broad approach to addressing the digital divide in Grant County,” Crusie said. “Before we ever started offering home service, we were deploying fiber to many of the area’s schools.”
Crusie also said Surf is focused on delivering a network with clear pricing, reliable service, and responsive customer support.
Meanwhile, partnering with Surf Internet on the project is the Accord Telecommunications Collaborative.
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The collaborative is “a middle-mile fiber network operator owned by 26 service providers across the Midwest,” according to Surf’s announcement.
James Tanneberger, the collaborative’s CEO, was also quoted, saying the network would fill “important gaps in the Accord network.”
‘A critical role in economic development’
Surf is also partnering in initiatives like the Indiana Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program and the Indiana Connectivity Program.
Through the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, Surf is building out to 2,000 rural homes in Grant County, the ISP’s release stated.
Chuck Binkerd, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Growth Council, said Surf’s commitment into the county is appreciated.
His comments were also included in Surf’s release.
“Broadband infrastructure plays a critical role in economic development,” Blinkerd said. “And Surf’s investment in Grant County supports our efforts to connect residents, students, and businesses across the region.”
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