Surf Internet Celebrates 25 Years of Business: A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Indiana-based Surf Internet, a company that has been providing reliable internet services for over two decades, is commemorating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Originally founded as MapleNet, Inc., the company began its journey as a dial-up service provider, offering internet to the rural regions of Indiana. However, today, Surf Internet has expanded its services significantly and now offers fiber-optic internet solutions to thousands of customers across several states. With more than 50,000 customers and a workforce of 300 employees, the company continues to lead the charge in providing cutting-edge connectivity to underserved areas.
Over the years, Surf Internet has become a key player in the broadband industry, particularly in rural communities that previously lacked reliable internet access. Through its significant investments in fiber-optic infrastructure, Surf Internet is helping bridge the digital divide and provide the essential connectivity needed for education, business, and everyday life. The company’s growth has been fueled by a combination of strategic investments, public funding, and private equity, enabling it to bring advanced broadband solutions to homes and businesses alike.
A Humble Beginning: From Dial-up to Fiber Internet
Surf Internet’s roots can be traced back to its humble beginnings as MapleNet, Inc., a company focused on dial-up internet services. In the early 2000s, MapleNet served as one of the few providers offering internet access to rural areas in Indiana, where traditional broadband services were not available. Despite the challenges of the dial-up era, MapleNet built a loyal customer base and became known for its dependable service.
In 2019, the company took a significant leap forward by launching fiber-optic internet services. Fiber internet was a game-changer for the communities that Surf Internet served, providing faster and more reliable connectivity than the outdated copper wire or cable systems that were previously the norm in rural areas. This transition marked a major milestone in Surf Internet’s growth and set the stage for even more innovation.
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Rebranding and Expanding Services
In 2022, MapleNet officially rebranded to Surf Internet, signaling the company’s shift towards the future of broadband technology. The new name reflected its broader mission to deliver cutting-edge, high-speed internet across the country. Today, Surf Internet serves over 600 communities, with a special focus on rural areas in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois.
Looking ahead, Surf Internet has ambitious plans to continue expanding its fiber-optic network. In 2025, the company plans to extend its reach even further, aiming to serve over 250,000 homes and businesses. With a goal of growing its subscriber base to 75,000 customers, Surf Internet is focused on strengthening its presence in both existing markets and new areas that are in need of fast, reliable internet service.
The company’s expansion strategy relies heavily on a combination of grants, private equity investments, and partnerships with local communities. According to Surf Internet, it has secured over $57 million in grant funding to support its network expansion efforts. Additionally, the company has attracted significant investment from private equity firms such as Bain Capital, Post Road Group, and DigitalBridge Credit, which has enabled Surf to fund its ambitious growth plans.
Pioneering Connectivity Innovations
Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet, reflected on the company’s journey, calling it “one of pioneering connectivity innovations.” In his statement, Crusie thanked the team members, customers, and local partners who have contributed to Surf Internet’s success over the past 25 years. He emphasized that the company’s growth was not just about building infrastructure but also about creating opportunities for people to thrive.
Kevin Bush, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), echoed this sentiment, stating that each mile of fiber installed represents more than just infrastructure—it symbolizes an opportunity for families to improve their lives, businesses to grow, and communities to flourish. “By partnering with local leaders and leveraging grants, private equity, and strategic investments, we’re not just building a network; we’re creating a stronger, more connected future,” Bush said.
The company’s growth has not gone unnoticed. Surf Internet was recently named in the 2024 Broadband Communities FTTH (Fiber to the Home) Top 100, a prestigious list that highlights the top fiber-optic broadband providers across the country. The recognition is a testament to Surf Internet’s efforts to bring economic viability to rural communities through the deployment of fiber-optic networks. These efforts have helped thousands of households in rural Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan gain access to high-speed internet, transforming their ability to work, learn, and connect.
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Impact on Rural Communities
Surf Internet’s success can largely be attributed to its focus on underserved rural communities. Many of these areas were previously overlooked by larger broadband providers, leaving residents without access to the fast, reliable internet that is essential in today’s world. By providing fiber-optic services to these regions, Surf Internet has empowered local residents, enabling them to access educational resources, telemedicine, online businesses, and entertainment at speeds that were once impossible to achieve.
One of the company’s most significant achievements has been its ability to help local businesses thrive. With the advent of high-speed fiber internet, businesses in rural areas now have the connectivity they need to expand their operations and reach customers across the globe. From agriculture to manufacturing, many industries are benefiting from Surf Internet’s broadband services.
The Road Ahead: A Stronger, More Connected Future
As Surf Internet celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains committed to providing innovative, high-quality broadband solutions to homes and businesses in underserved areas. With an expanding fiber-optic network, a growing subscriber base, and a dedicated team, the company is poised for even more success in the years to come.
Looking ahead, Surf Internet plans to continue investing in its network and expanding its services to new areas. The company will also continue to explore new technologies, such as 5G and next-gen broadband solutions, to ensure that it remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.
Surf Internet’s success serves as an inspiring example of how private companies, public funding, and strategic investments can come together to bring about meaningful change in rural communities. By providing high-speed fiber-optic broadband to areas that have long been underserved, Surf Internet is not only helping to bridge the digital divide but is also helping to create a more connected and equitable future for everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Surf Internet’s 25th anniversary milestone?
- Surf Internet is celebrating 25 years of providing broadband services, expanding from dial-up internet to offering fiber-optic broadband across several states.
- How has Surf Internet grown over the years?
- Surf Internet has grown from a small dial-up provider (MapleNet, Inc.) to a major fiber-optic internet service provider serving over 50,000 customers.
- What is Surf Internet’s plan for 2025?
- Surf Internet plans to expand its fiber-optic network to serve over 250,000 homes and businesses by 2025, with a goal of increasing its subscriber base to 75,000.
- What communities does Surf Internet serve?
- Surf Internet primarily serves rural communities in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, bringing high-speed internet to areas that were previously underserved.
- What is the company’s rebranding from MapleNet to Surf Internet?
- In 2022, MapleNet rebranded to Surf Internet to reflect its focus on modern broadband technologies like fiber-optic networks.
- How does Surf Internet help rural businesses?
- Surf Internet’s fiber-optic services enable rural businesses to access high-speed internet, facilitating growth, remote work, and global reach.
- How does Surf Internet support economic growth in rural areas?
- Through its fiber-optic networks, Surf Internet helps businesses grow and provides residents with access to vital services like education and telemedicine.
- How did Surf Internet secure funding for its growth?
- The company has secured over $57 million in grants and private equity investments from firms like Bain Capital and Post Road Group.
- Why was Surf Internet included in the FTTH Top 100 list?
- Surf Internet earned its place on the FTTH Top 100 list due to its successful efforts in expanding fiber-optic broadband to rural communities.
- What future technologies is Surf Internet exploring?
- Surf Internet is exploring next-generation broadband solutions like 5G to further enhance connectivity for rural communities.