Photo by Richard Hurd
From 1994 to 2024: SupraNet’s 30-Year Mission to Help Everyone Do More on the Internet
Madison, WI (September 24, 2024) – SupraNet Communications, Inc., a Madison-born and based Internet service provider (ISP), celebrates their 30th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in its journey of connecting the city to the ever-evolving world of the Internet.
Founded in 1994, SupraNet witnessed firsthand the transformational power of the Internet, growing alongside its users as the online landscape exploded from its infancy to the ubiquitous presence it is today.
A Look Back at 30 Years of Internet History
Established the same year as the release of the first web browser, Mosaic, SupraNet connected Madison businesses to the Internet with dial-up connections and witnessed the start of early websites like Yahoo! and Amazon. Dial up Internet cost $30/month back in 1994. See more Internet history and nostalgia here on our interactive “vintage” Internet timeline.
Celebrating 30 Years and Looking Ahead
Fast forward to the present, SupraNet now offers fiber-optic Internet plans to multifamily developments and businesses with speeds exceeding one gigabit per second, a far cry from the early days. The cost of Internet access has also decreased dramatically, with SupraNet offering competitive plans that make broadband available to a wider audience. An ongoing project includes the high-profile Bayview development, now in Phase 3.
“The support provided to our residents by SupraNet has been exceptional. Many of our residents are experiencing Wi-Fi for the first time, allowing them to connect with the world and communicate in ways they couldn’t before,” said Xong Vang, Bayview Housing Coordinator.
As SupraNet celebrates three decades in business, the company remains committed to providing not just fast and reliable Internet, but also offering affordable options that enable individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age. SupraNet actively participates in programs that bridge the digital divide and advocates for policies that promote universal access to the Internet.
Affordable Internet Access: A Gateway to Opportunity
In today’s digital world, access to the Internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. From searching and applying for jobs to completing online coursework and participating in virtual classrooms, an affordable Internet connection unlocks a multitude of opportunities for individuals and communities.
Research from pewtrust.org indicates that Internet access significantly enhances student performance and health outcomes, while also providing essential educational opportunities and promoting healthy aging. The opportunity for broadband connections that SupraNet provides to low-income developments is crucial. It equals the playing field by connecting residents to job opportunities. Connection to broadband has proven to increase employment rates in affordable housing properties.
“SupraNet was born out of a passion for technology and a belief in the democratizing potential of the Internet,” says Bryan Chan, Founder and CEO of SupraNet Communications. “Over the past three decades, we’ve seen the Internet evolve from a niche tool for academics and tech enthusiasts to an essential part of everyday life for individuals, businesses, and communities alike.”
About SupraNet Communications
SupraNet Communications is a locally owned and operated Internet service provider headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Since 1994, Supranet has been providing businesses and residents with reliable and affordable Internet access, starting with dial-up services, transitioning to wireless Internet and now operates its own local fiber-optic network. Supranet is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and supporting the local community.