Indiana Fiber Network LLC boosting Whitley County service

By Alex Brown | Inside INdiana Business

Indianapolis-based Indiana Fiber Network LLC has announced plans to expand its service to businesses in Whitley County. The company has made a deal with the Whitley County Commissioners to provide service to the Park 30 Business Center, as well as additional businesses along the U.S. 30 corridor.

IFN says it will construct the necessary fiber-optic facilities in and around the business park in order to provide high-speed Internet service to businesses. When complete, the fiber service will add to the full utility infrastructure already in place at the park.

George Schrumpf, president of the Whitley County Commissioners, says broadband Internet infrastructure has become just as important for businesses to flourish as services such as water, sewer and roads.

“Expanding the county’s fiber footprint will grow the businesses all along the US 30 corridor," said Schrumpf. "We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with IFN on this project and we are hopeful that its success will spur additional projects to roll out this vital service across the county.”

IFN expects to the facilities to be complete in July, which will allow the company to expand the fiber construction directly to businesses along its fiber route. The company will also offer promotional pricing to businesses.

"High speed fiber optics are redefining the way Hoosiers work, play, collaborate and communicate in today’s global economy," said Jim Turner, chief executive officer of IFN. "We look forward to the opportunities increased bandwidth and fiber communication options will bring to Whitley County."

IFN did not say precisely how much money would be invested in the project, but a spokesperson tells Inside INdiana Business the company will spend more than $50 million on infrastructure investment and fiber buildout over the next few years.