Surf’s Director of Business Development Scott Franko (left) celebrates Suzy Sowers (center) becoming Surf’s first customer to be connected to high-speed fiber internet in Churubusco, along with Madalyn Sade-Bartl, Clerk-Treasurer of Churubusco.
ELKHART, Ind. (September 26, 2023) – Surf Internet℠ announced it has expanded its fiber-optic footprint in the greater Fort Wayne area. On Wednesday, September 20, the company celebrated connecting its first 1 gig fiber customers in the communities of Churubusco and Waterloo. These two projects will reach over 1,500 homes, representing over $2 million of investment in northeast Indiana as part of Surf’s long-term goal to connect as many residents in the region as possible with fiber-optic broadband.
“Bringing fiber connectivity to small towns in northeast Indiana is not a quick, overnight process,” said Scott Franko, Surf Internet director of business development. “We started talking to the town of Churubusco three or four years ago. Now, we are at a point where the first resident is going to be able to take advantage of that process. We are proud of the long-term work our team has done in partnership with these great communities to bring what we believe is the great equalizer to underserved residents.”
Suzi and James Sowers were the first Churubusco residents to connect to Surf’s new network that reaches 750 homes in the town. “We love it,” Suzi Sowers said. “My husband and boys are gamers. A lot of times we would have problems playing games or streaming. It would just load and load and load. [Our internet from Surf] is amazing. We can watch a show without interruption. It is nice to be able to have a service you can actually use and feel like you’re getting what you paid for.”
In Waterloo, Town Manager Pam Howard praised Surf’s responsiveness and customer service. “Surf Internet has been a pleasure to work with. They are responsive and responsible. Every time a resident needed a resolution to an issue, Surf Internet took care of it quickly. Surf Internet has done what they said they would do: have Waterloo lit by the end of September. I am thrilled such a reputable company is in Waterloo.”
Waterloo residents Phil and Jean King were the first customers to sign up for service, out of the 900 homes that now have service available. Surf’s high-speed fiber internet was a welcome change from the spotty service they were receiving previously. “It came and went.” Phil King said. “My wife played games and it would kick her off. Now, we haven’t had any problems with the internet.”
Representatives from Surf Internet, the town of Waterloo, the Waterloo Town Council, and the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership pose for a photo along with Jean King (seated) and Phil King to celebrate the Kings becoming the first customers to connect to Surf Internet’s network in Waterloo. Photo courtesy of KPC Media Group.
“We’re excited to see broadband buildout in the Town of Waterloo,” added Anton King, President and CEO of the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership. “Thank you to Surf Internet for your investment into the Town. We’re eager to see continued investment across DeKalb County focused on improving broadband infrastructure. With these investments comes increased connectivity that’s a necessity in today’s world.”
Residents who would like to see if Surf Internet services are currently available for a specific address, can visit https://surfinternet.com/ and click the “Check Availability” button.
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 Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. 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 170-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.