News
Surf Internet has announced the securement of the largest award in the history of the Indiana Connectivity Program, to the tune of $2.6 million, and cited public outreach events as a main reason for their success.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Addresses across 13 counties in rural Indiana will be provided connectivity thanks to a recent grant award given to Surf Internet.
The news, announced last week, comes on the heels of Surf Internet’s announced plans to extend fiber to over 2,600 locations following grants awarded by the Connect Illinois program in July.
According to Surf Internet’s August 1 announcement, the company plans to connect 7,500 adjacent homes and agribusinesses as part of their efforts to reach 548 underserved addresses targeted by the Indiana Connectivity Program.
Surf Internet’s release said the company has matched the state’s investment with $12.9 million, bringing the total broadband investment in Indiana up to $17 million through the Indiana Connectivity Program.
“This funding is a testament to our commitment to communities and our mission to deliver transformational internet services to rural areas,” said Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet. “I’m incredibly proud of our dedicated team and the strong partnerships they have formed at a local level.”
Crusie, who’s comments were included with Surf Internet’s release, said the company has received over $55 million in grant awards to date and remains committed to the Great Lakes Region.
Surf Internet credits public outreach as a key factor in their success.
“Surf organized informational events in DeKalb, La Porte, Starke, and Whitley counties, attracting 300 attendees,” the company’s announcement stated, adding that the firm leveraged social media, digital ads, newspaper ads, radio, direct mail, and their website to raise awareness.
“By collaborating with local partners and organizing informative events, we were able to ensure that residents knew the importance of participating and how to apply,” said Amber Rodriguez, Senior Director, Growth Marketing at Surf Internet, who was also quoted in Surf’s release. “Our team’s dedication to this cause has paid off, and we are thrilled to bring Surf’s high-speed fiber-optic internet to more communities.”
According to Surf, the Indiana grant allows provides a nine-month deadline for project completion to the 548 locations it prioritizes.
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