Whitley County signs deal with Mercury Wireless

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — More broadband internet is coming to Whitley County after a deal is reached with Whitley County Board of Commissioners. The county was able to use a grant from a COVID-19 relief bill to secure the agreement. 

“Internet has been a top-priority concern for the commissioners, and we’ve been diligently working on this for two years. We want this project to benefit the whole county,” said George Schrumpf, Whitley County Commissioner.

Commissioners say they met with several providers before deciding on Mercury since they felt the company was best able to meet time restraints. Funds from the grant must be used by Dec. 30, 2020. Commissioners say Mercury was already providing service in the county with Connect America Funds through the Federal Communications Commission, and this deal will allow them to serve more of the county. 

“Internet access is an important part of today’s workplace, education and economic development initiatives. The goal is to provide internet access to as many as possible. If a child is sent home from school with homework, we want them to be able to complete the work,” said Don Amber, Whitley County Commissioners chairman.

The County Commission says 10 towers will be built on established structures in the county and Mercury will provide connection speeds up to 100 Mbps.