Surf Internet Breaks Ground on New Fiber-Optic Network in Troy Grove, Illinois

Surf Internet Breaks Ground on New Fiber-Optic Network in Troy Grove, Illinois

TROY GROVE, Ill. (May 23, 2025) – Surf Internet® held a groundbreaking ceremony today to kick off construction of a new fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed internet to 145 addresses across the Village of Troy Grove, Ill.—including apartment units, municipal buildings, businesses, and dozens of
single-family homes. Construction is expected to be completed later this summer.

Backed by a public-private partnership and funded in part by the Connect Illinois Round 3 grant program, the project reflects a regional effort to expand broadband access in small and rural communities.

“This is a big moment for our village,” said Troy Grove Village President Michael Wujek. “For years, we’ve known that fast, reliable internet is critical for our residents and businesses—but we needed the right mix of funding and partners to make it happen. We’re excited to see shovels in the ground and to welcome Surf into the community.”

The buildout is being funded through a $538,282.54 investment from the State of Illinois ($238,282.54), LaSalle County ($250,000), and the Village of Troy Grove ($50,000), with Surf contributing an additional $125,000 to complete the project. The total investment exceeds $663,000.

“We don’t just talk about closing the digital divide—we build the networks that make it happen,” said Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet. “Our team is already mobilized, and by this summer, homes and businesses in Troy Grove will have access to fiber-fast internet for the first time. That’s what progress looks like.”

The project was initially guided by North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG), which worked closely with the Village to secure grant funding and bring together project partners.

“This project is a model for how local leadership, state support, and committed providers can come together to get things done,” said Ryan Hogan, grant administrator at NCICG. “We’re proud to have helped make it happen.”

Direct Line Communications was awarded the construction contract and will lead the fiber build, while Stratus Networks is providing middle-mile connectivity as part of its statewide transport network expansion.

Once completed, Surf will offer fiber-optic internet plans with speeds up to 2 Gigs and equal upload and download performance. Residents will benefit from no contracts, unlimited data, a lifetime price-lock guarantee for their chosen plan, and responsive, local customer support.

Residents and businesses can learn more about Surf’s local fiber expansion and track construction progress at https://construction.surfinternet.com.

About Surf Internet
Surf Internet is an innovative fiber-optic internet company that serves as the essential gateway to connectivityacross the Great Lakes region of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. 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 300-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, Naperville, and Rock Falls, Ill. Learn more at https://surfinternet.com.