Surf Internet is seeking additional state funding to expand high-speed internet to more underserved areas, pledging to invest $35 million in rural broadband.
The Elkhart-based carrier serving northern Indiana is the successor to Surf Air Wireless in LaPorte and continues to maintain an office in Maple City.
The company is lobbying for an increase in subsidies from Indiana’s Next Level Connections broadband subsidy program, which will allow it to expand into sparsely populated areas without a high concentration of economically viable customers. provides subsidies for the construction of broadband lines.
Surf Internet has expanded high-speed internet to more rural areas in northwest Indiana, including LaPorte, Newton and Stark counties.
“Broadband is to the 21st century what rural electrification was to the 20th century,” said Mary Perren, Stark County Economic Development Foundation Executive Assistant. “Stark County officials realized this when they sought and received broadband ready designation from the state, and SCEDF is excited to be part of the continued effort to provide broadband to our residents. Having access to reliable internet allows people to work remotely, is essential in the age of e-learning, and is an essential business tool, all of which help rural communities grow and thrive. ”
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Surf Internet is lobbying for a portion of the funding from the Next Level Connections program, which is investing $350 million in broadband infrastructure in the state. So far, the state program has awarded her $251 million to 81 counties in Indiana, providing broadband access to 68,150 homes and businesses.
We are currently in our fourth round of funding. The state is expected to award grants this summer, after which broadband must be built within 24 months.
Surf Internet’s campaign to increase state aid has received 110 letters of support from residents and leaders in 16 Northern Indiana counties.
“Rural Hoosiers are looking for real solutions to their connectivity problems,” said Steve Callender, Surf’s director of special funds. “Public-private partnerships have been and continue to be key to providing reliable, high-speed access.”
Beer Geeks, one of the area’s first, best-loved, and most influential craft beer bars, is closing after more than a decade and being reimagined as a new concept.
The 88-year-old landmark castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting will be replaced with a newer, larger and more modern White Castle Restaurant.
A longtime downtown Crown Point staple has poured its last drink.
The long-standing Westforth Sporting Gun Shop is closing its doors.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be permanently closed.
Bluefest in the Highlands will mark the end of what is being called the “end of an era.”
David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy and could close all of its stores unless a buyer emerges.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with exhibits at museums in two different states.
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For years, this “billionaires club” met every morning in a corner booth of the 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its last sliders on Tuesday.
One of northwest Indiana’s most popular and longest-running hobby shops is looking for a buyer after its longtime owner passes away.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, has closed after several years in downtown Whiting.
Calumet Fisheries, an establishment in the Calumet neighborhood on Chicago’s south end, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after being shut down by city health inspectors, the Calumet fishery was hit by a massive fire.
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant is located in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland was rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Struggling retailer Bed Bath & Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso store as it closes more stores across the country as it looks to restructure its business and downsize its store footprint in an effort to rescue its struggling retailer. .
People’s Bank has closed its downtown Hammond branch.
Viking Artisan Ales will soon be pouring its last craft beers at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, located at one of northwest Indiana’s most famous freeway interchanges, is closing after 15 years in business.
Walmart is closing its large store in Homewood.
The Chicago Auto Show, the largest car show in the United States, returns to McCormick Place on Saturday and will run through February 19th.
