A Year of Innovation and Growth in 2023
As we bid farewell to 2023, Surfnet stands out for its remarkable achievements, innovation, and expansion. The year has been a testament to the company’s commitment to cutting-edge communication solutions. Let’s explore the key highlights that shaped Surfnet’s success in 2023.
Moving Forward With Network Expansion
• Surfnet kicked-off the year with a bold move—expanding its network infrastructure to reach new regions.
• This expansion allowed the company to provide high-speed internet and reliable communication services to previously underserved areas.
• State-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure upgrades throughout the year enhanced the overall performance of Surfnet’s network, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
Bridging the Digital Divide with Connectivity Initiatives
• Surfnet made significant strides in bridging the digital divide by extending fiber-optic internet access to underserved regions in San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz Counties.
• Surfnet continues with projects in Anza Vineyard Estates, Prunedale, Shandon, and Scotts Valley, reflecting Surfnet’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in diverse communities.
Pursuing Grants for Socioeconomic Progress
• Surfnet is on the verge of enhancing broadband accessibility in rural areas by pursuing additional grants.
• The company has bid for the USDA Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Grant with an impressive grant size of $250,000. NTIA Middle Mile Grant ($1 billion), FFA Last Mile Grant ($2 billion), USDA Re-Connect America Grant ($300 million), and FFA BEAD Grant ($42 billion)
• The vision is to secure additional grants, emphasizing a commitment to providing internet access to priority-eligible locations and future-proofing infrastructure for sustained community development.
Active Participation in the Broadband Summit
• Surfnet actively contributes to bridging the digital divide through participation in the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s broadband summit.
• COO Ken Nye, a distinguished panelist, highlighted challenges in reaching remote locations and ensuring sustainability.
• With expertise in navigating infrastructure complexities, Ken emphasized collaborative mapping efforts with local providers and government agencies to secure funds for last-mile connectivity.
Empowering Education and Community
• Surfnet made a significant impact by donating high-speed wifi access to Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• The wifi became a lifeline during storms, fostering social interactions among parents and turning the preschool into a communal hub.
• The collaboration between Surfnet, Building Blocks Preschool, and the Loma Prieta Community Foundation exemplifies the positive influence local businesses can have on education and community development.
Riding the Winter Storms with Resilience
• In the face of relentless storms, Surfnet employees demonstrated unwavering dedication, working tirelessly to restore services.
• Torrential storms took a toll on the SLO and SCC networks, causing downed trees and infrastructure damage.
• Surfnet’s rapid response and remote monitoring system addressed connectivity issues even in the harshest weather conditions.
• The collaborative spirit of the engineering, sales, marketing, and tech support teams shone through, overcoming challenges with remarkable grace and resilience.
Weathering Snowmageddon with Uninterrupted Connectivity
• Amid Snowmageddon 2023, SurfNet proved its proficiency as one of their customers, a Santa Cruz Mountains resident, faced a challenging five-day ordeal.
• Power outages and impassable roads tested the local but Surfnet’s tower on his property ensured uninterrupted internet service.
• Proactive battery upgrades showcased the company’s dedication to providing reliable service even in the harshest conditions.
Averting Winter Crises and Safeguarding Partnerships
• In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Summit Store faced a winter crisis when an unexpected snowstorm disrupted power and internet services.
• The general managers foresight in choosing Surfnet as their reliable backup internet provider proved crucial.
• The partnership ensured the store’s seamless operations, point-of-sale transactions, and revenue streams despite the challenging weather. In 2024, Surfnet is staying committed to innovation and inclusivity, setting the stage for a more exciting and inclusive digital future for everyone.
By Aracelly Bibl