CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--i3 Broadband, a neighborhood provider of fiber optic Internet, today announced it will start construction in multiple neighborhoods to continue its multi-year, multi-million dollar investment in extending the fiber network throughout Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. i3 Broadband offers ultra-high speed Internet, HD TV and voice services that deliver an unmatched combination of reliability, responsiveness and value.
“We are extremely excited to provide residents and businesses of Champaign-Urbana with access to the latest fiber optic technology and services that typically are reserved for much larger communities,” said Grier Raclin, president and chief executive officer of i3 Broadband. “Our Gigabit service vastly surpasses other providers’ services. Whether you have one or many devices, i3 Broadband can serve all your needs and provide the convenience and enjoyment of a reliable and simply superior Internet experience.”
Unlike phone DSL or traditional cable company services, i3 Broadband’s fiber-to-the-home network allows data to travel much faster to and from users, is more reliable and has a better signal strength. To support its fiber network expansion, i3 Broadband plans to hire local technicians and other positions later this year.
i3 Broadband is the new local commercial partner working with the UC2B not-for-profit board to extend true fiber connectivity to homes and businesses. This network expansion extends the initial UC2B fiber backbone buildout in 2010-2013 that was supported by $26 million in federal and state grants, and in-kind contributions from the cities of Champaign and Urbana, and the University of Illinois.
i3 Broadband continues its active relationship with UC2B to plan neighborhood buildouts and support a community benefit fund to reduce technology adoption barriers for disadvantaged community groups.
“High speed Internet is essential infrastructure for our community,” said Mayor of Urbana’s Diane Marlin. “We are very pleased that i3 Broadband will expand installation of their network in Urbana this week and look forward to the day when all neighborhoods have the connectivity required to support today’s business and educational needs.”
“We’re all excited about the opportunities this expanded broadband network will provide the University of Illinois and the entire Champaign-Urbana community,” said University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “Access to high speed, reliable and affordable Internet is truly necessary to fully participate in the information-driven society of the 21st century. This expansion brings that access one step closer for many here in our area. We’re proud to see the UC2B initiative we all started together reaching this new milestone.”
i3 Broadband will break ground on new fiber areas starting immediately, weather permitting. Interested residents and businesses can sign up at i3broadband.com or call 217-530-0333.
About i3 Broadband
i3 Broadband provides TV, Voice and Internet services through a 100% fiber optic network in the greater Peoria, Champaign and Urbana, Illinois markets. For more information, visit www.i3broadband.com or call 877-976-0711.
