Fiber-optic internet provider Surf Internet was awarded three Connect Illinois grants, totaling $10.5 million, to support the extension of last-mile broadband access in unserved and underserved rural areas of Whiteside, Grundy, LaSalle, Lee and Putnam counties. The projects will extend fiber connectivity to approximately 2,638 homes, agri-businesses and community anchor institutions to enhance digital access in these regions.
Surf is investing $6.3 million of its funds to reach rural Illinois residents near Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon, Ottawa, Morris and Coal City, including Lake Wildwood, Grand Detour, Lost Nation and Magnolia. Residents and business owners will enjoy up to 2 Gb speeds immediately, with higher thresholds possible in the future.
“The process of laying rural fiber is truly one household, one street at a time,” said Gene Crusie, the CEO of Surf Internet. “Grant funds like Connect Illinois allow us to take real, measurable steps towards getting every home connected. We’re proud to partner with states and communities in doing the hard, incremental work of getting those connected who are most in need.”
Surf recently opened an office in Naperville, Illinois, underscoring the company’s commitment to the state. The office serves as a hub for administrative and financial operations, as well as a meeting point for Illinois partners and investors.
The $400 million Connect Illinois program launched in 2019, representing the then-largest state-matching grant program for broadband expansion. Connect Illinois seeks to achieve ubiquitous statewide broadband access for homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout the state.
“In our experience, grant investment into communities has what we call a multiplier effect, attracting additional investments both privately and from other programs such as the upcoming federal BEAD Program,” said Steve Carender, director of special funding, Surf Internet. “We are committed to continuing the momentum in and around these areas in order to do our part in getting all rural houses connected to high-speed fiber-optic broadband.”
The Connect Illinois project will allow Surf to leverage its increased presence and grant money to extend its fiber-optic network into adjacent communities through a mix of public and private investments. Currently, 5,700 additional passings are part of the build plan, made possible by extending their network beyond the addresses included in the Connect Illinois program. Surf further expects to be able to build into Kendall County as a result of its expanding infrastructure.
The work in rural Illinois is part of Surf’s overall commitment to build an advanced fiber-optic network serving rural communities across the Great Lakes region in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
Residents and business owners wanting project updates can visit Surf’s construction page at https://surfinternet.com/surf-fiber-map/.
