Elkhart County’s Visionary Investment in Dark Fiber Infrastructure
In today’s fast-changing economy, connectivity is more than just a convenience—it’s a foundation for growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Elkhart County recognized this early on and took a forward-thinking approach by investing in a countywide dark fiber network. This bold step positioned the region ahead of the curve, ensuring that local businesses, institutions, and communities could thrive in a digital-first world.
Building the Foundation for Growth
Rather than waiting for commercial carriers to dictate the pace of progress, Elkhart County leaders made the strategic choice to create their own dark fiber network. By doing so, they laid the groundwork for a robust and flexible infrastructure that can support the demands of today—and tomorrow. Dark fiber is unique because it provides the raw capacity needed for virtually unlimited bandwidth. With it, businesses can adopt cutting-edge technologies such as cloud-based operations, advanced manufacturing systems, telehealth, and data-driven logistics without worrying about outgrowing their internet backbone.
Partnering with ChoiceLight for Impact
To maximize the value of this investment, Elkhart County partnered with ChoiceLight, Inc., a nonprofit organization with deep expertise in managing fiber networks for the South Bend–Elkhart region. ChoiceLight’s role ensures the infrastructure is maintained, expanded, and made accessible in ways that directly support economic development. Their neutral management model empowers local businesses to focus on growth while enjoying world-class connectivity.
Encouraging Competition and Choice
One of the greatest strengths of the Elkhart County fiber network is that it doesn’t lock businesses into a single provider. Instead, several internet service providers (ISPs) operate on the network, giving companies true freedom to choose the partner that best meets their needs. This competitive environment drives innovation and helps keep pricing reasonable and transparent—a win for businesses of all sizes.
Looking Ahead
Elkhart County’s foresight to invest in dark fiber isn’t just about technology—it’s about shaping a more resilient and prosperous economy. By putting in place infrastructure that adapts to the future, the county ensures that its manufacturers, healthcare providers, educators, and entrepreneurs are equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This commitment to connectivity underscores a simple truth: when communities invest in shared infrastructure, everyone benefits. Elkhart County has shown how public investment, paired with expert nonprofit management and private-sector competition, can create the conditions for innovation and long-term growth.
Learn More
Businesses and organizations interested in exploring the advantages of this infrastructure can view the network map at ChoiceLight.org and reach out to the ChoiceLight team to see how their company could benefit from tapping into this powerful regional resource.
