Going online to work, shop or search something has become an immediate part of daily life for many people across the U.S.

An Erie-based company works every day to make sure internet and phone service is working as it should.

Brad and Matt Wiertel monitor servers from an area inside Velocity Network (VNET).

"We're providing high-speed wi-fi and security services to our users," said Brad. 

Velocity Network is staffed around the clock with 80 employees that monitor and maintain services.

"That goes from computers to servers to networks to voice services and our flagship is our internet service," said Brad. "That provides fiber optic connectivity to a lot of businesses, education, non profits in the Erie County area."

Brad is the chief operating officer of Velocity Network while his brother Matt works as the director of sales and business Development.

They said the reach of the company doesn't stop there.

"In terms of I.T. and the computer and networking service areas, we cover a broad range of customers in New York and California to Texas," said Brad.

VNET was started in 1990 under a different name by owner Joel Deuterman who started building computers inside his Erie apartment.

"Over 30 years of services to the Erie community with technology computers," said Matt. "Moving into networking and moving into the internet service which was kicked off in 1996 with Velocity.Net"

The business moved a few times to get to the point where they are at now.

"Fast forward to today," said Matt. "We now have over 1,000 businesses and or buildings in Erie connected with our fiber, rapidly growing the fiber to the home side of the house as well with gigabyte fiber optic internet and wi-fi sticks."

The plan is to keep on growing by working with customers and local governments to address gaps where broadband is needed. 

"Our goal is to make it magic," said Brad. "They turn it on, the internet works, their home automation, their ring doorbells, their security camera. Our customers with their voice for 911 being able to make sure they can make calls and get help. That's what we do." 

The Wiertels said they have an announcement coming soon about connecting additional homes and more neighborhoods in Erie County.