$5M in Fiber Infrastructure Coming for Columbia City

Surf Broadband Solutions will begin construction of a 100 percent fiber optic network throughout Columbia City. Surf’s $5 million investment in Columbia City will bring construction and network resources into the community over the next two years of network expansion. The Columbia City fiber project is completely funded via private investment.

Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel considers Surf’s investment to be a strong fit within the City’s overall community and economic development strategies. According to the Mayor, “This fiber project is yet another improvement that makes our growing city even more attractive to new residents and solidifies our reputation of being a great community for people of all ages. We are excited about this partnership with Surf Broadband Solutions because it creates a fantastic opportunity for our citizens to eventually have access to dependable, high-speed, fiber internet.”

Columbia City businesses can also connect to Surf’s fiber network, and Jennifer Romano, Executive Director of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, sees that as a shot in the arm for local business competitiveness and innovation. According to Romano, “Access to high-capacity fiber means better productivity for businesses, more opportunities for the new working-from-home model, plus a boost for job creation and company relocations to Columbia City.”

Surf is actively engaged with community stakeholders in Columbia City to fast-track fiber optic network growth and adoption.  The company has benefitted from the support and insights of elected officials, economic development professionals, healthcare administrators, business owners and more.  These partnerships have helped the growth of Surf’s fiber network in Columbia City and helped Surf to target resources into areas most in need of service.

“In our first meeting with the Mayor and his team we realized very quickly that we had a good partner in the City,” according to Surf’s CEO, Gene Crusie. “The Mayor made it very clear that his goal is connectivity to the entire community, and not just certain areas. We are very willing to oblige, because it has always been Surf’s plan to build a 100% fiber optic network to 100% of the community- up and down every street.”

Surf Broadband builds fiber optic networks to serve communities- delivering fiber optic connections directly into homes and businesses. Traditional copper-based broadband services are quickly being outstripped by the needs of home users who rely on their internet connections for work-from-home, distance learning, 4K HD streaming, video security, and home automation.  Fiber optic delivers up to a hundredfold increase in capacity over phone or coaxial lines.

Columbia City residents and businesses interested in Surf’s fiber offering can find out more by visiting www.iwantfiber.today.  For updates on construction, learn more about the installation process, and to contact Surf’s implementation team about any concerns, residents can visit construction.surfbroadband.com. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3rd in Columbia City.