Local leaders and representatives from Surf Internet break ground on the new fiber-optic network project in Michigan City, Indiana. The initiative aims to bring high-speed internet to 4,500 addresses, enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses.
LA PORTE, Ind. (June 6, 2024) – Surf Internet℠ is proud to announce the next phase in bringing fiber-optic internet to the residents of La Porte County, Ind., this time in Michigan City. To mark this milestone, representatives from the City and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City joined Surf for a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, outside City Hall.
Surf is investing over $5.6 million of its own capital to expand its fiber network to 4,500 addresses in Michigan City, launching initially with speeds of up to 2 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) but designed with the future in mind. This infrastructure will provide a foundation capable of scaling to 10 Gbps in the near future, ensuring the network remains competitive and “future-proof.” The first phase of the project is expected to go live by August 2024, with all construction slated for completion by August 2025.
“At the heart of our company’s nearly 25-year history has been a passion for connecting people, businesses, and municipalities to the things that matter most to them,” said Surf’s Director of Business Development, Scott Franko. “Surf Internet is committed to leading the way in innovation and connectivity. We have been a longstanding partner of La Porte County and are proud to now extend that partnership to Michigan City. We congratulate them on this next step toward unlimited potential with Surf’s fiber-optic network!”
Delivering high-speed internet to Michigan City has been a priority for Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch since her first day in office. “From the start of my administration, I charged our IT department with the mission to connect our families and city,” Mayor Deuitch said during remarks at the groundbreaking. “Our IT Director, Andrew Matanic, and his talented team have worked diligently to make this vision a reality. When Andy told me about the partnership opportunities with Surf Internet, I knew we could achieve our goal of becoming a multi-gig city. This initiative is not just about technology; it’s an economic development tool that will benefit our existing and future families. We are grateful to Surf Internet for investing in our community and helping us achieve our vision.”
Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, agrees with Mayor Deuitch. “Becoming a multi-gig city is a significant milestone for us. Fiber connectivity is the second most requested feature by people moving to a new city, and having this infrastructure will undoubtedly attract more residents and workers to Michigan City. This advancement will greatly enhance our residents’ quality of life and drive economic growth in our community,” he said.
The work in Michigan City is part of Surf’s overall commitment to build an advanced fiber-optic network serving rural communities across the Great Lakes Region of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Updates on construction are available on the company’s website at https://construction.surfinternet.com.
About Surf Internet
Surf Internet is an innovative fiber-optic internet company that serves as the essential gateway to connectivity across the Great Lakes region of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The company is building a bridge to the wide-open future by delivering high-speed, reliable internet to homes and businesses in underserved, rural communities. Surf’s 250-plus-person team is local, giving them an edge when it comes to customer care and advocacy for the region. Headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., Surf also has offices in La Porte, Ind., Byron Center and Fowlerville, Mich., and Coal City and Rock Falls, Ill. Learn more at https://surfinternet.com.
