Elkhart-based Surf Internet received $8.5 million to help bridge the digital divide across rural Indiana counties.
The state of Indiana awarded the funding through the Next Level Connections Grant Program. Surf Internet will match the funding with a $20.7 million investment. The money will support the expansion of fiber-optic internet to underserved rural communities across Indiana.
The grant will broaden the company’s fiber-optic network in 14 Indiana counties.
“We are honored to once again be the recipient of funding from the NLC grant program. It's a big step in our mission to bridge the digital divide in Indiana,” said Gene Crusie, Surf Internet CEO, in a press release. “These dollars will help us bring high-speed fiber-optic internet to more communities, supporting local businesses, schools and residents.”
DeKalb County is slated to be a beneficiary of Surf Internet’s expanded network.
“Access to reliable high-speed broadband service is critical for our rural residents and agriculture community,” said Mike Watson, DeKalb County commissioner and member of the county’s Broadband Task Force.
Next Level Connections Round 4 grants awarded over $81 million to fund 50 broadband projects. The funding expands broadband access to over 34,000 homes, businesses and community institutions. The grant program has awarded $328 million for broadband infrastructure since 2019, bringing fiber-optic internet to over 102,000 Hoosier homes and businesses.
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs administers the program.
“Broadband expansion isn't just about connecting homes, it's about connecting Hoosiers to a brighter future,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development. “Reliable, high-speed internet unlocks opportunities for education, health care and jobs, improving the quality of life for all Indiana residents.”
Surf Internet is a fiber-optic internet company serving Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The company has offices in La Porte, Indiana. It also has offices in Michigan and Illinois.
