Surfnet

When Surfnet started—in the early days of the internet—download speeds were what mattered. The internet was in its infancy, and everyone wanted faster download speeds to read the latest news articles or look at a photo. That was more than 20 years ago.

These days, the internet is very different. Both download and upload speeds matter more than ever. “Symmetrical speeds” are important when looking at your internet-service plan. Symmetrical internet speeds mean that your download and upload speeds are the same. Download speeds matter when you are receiving data from the internet—such as streaming videos, browsing websites, or downloading files. When you send data online is equal to the speed at which you send data online—video conferencing, uploading content to websites, sharing photos and videos, backing up files to the cloud, and sending large email attachments—your upload speed is key.

Symmetrical speeds provide a more balanced internet experience and are especially valuable for businesses, remote workers, content creators, and households that rely on cloud-based applications and real-time collaboration.

Historically, customers cared more about faster download speeds than upload speeds. This led to internet-service providers offering asymmetrical plans with faster, eye-catching numbers for download speeds, but upload speeds that were a fraction of that. Today’s customers require fast and reliable upload and download speeds.

This is where Surfnet fiber comes in. Fiber technology is the perfect vehicle for faster upload speeds, while continuing to support the need for fast downloads. Surfnet fiber technology uses light to send and receive data from your house.

Fiber internet connections aren’t impacted by the weather or how many people are using the internet at any given time. Fiber is future- proofing internet technology for the foreseeable future. After securing more than $25 million in competitive state grant funding, Surfnet built and installed fiber internet infrastructure in the Santa Cruz Mountains, as well as in rural communities in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.

Symmetrical fiber internet from Surfnet helps keep our mountain community connected with the rest of the world. Remote workers and entrepreneurs can videoconference without worrying about a delay. Students can upload their assignments at lightning speed. Parents and grandparents can jump onto video calls with loved ones from around the world.

Residents and business owners interested in fiber availability can visit Surfnet’s website to learn more about construction timelines, service areas, and how to check availability at their address. Call 831-439-7873 ext. 747 for more information.