CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL. -- From the beginning of i3 Broadband’s management of the UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) fiber optic network in 2017, i3 Broadband has grown the network extensively, and plans to continue that expansion in 2018. i3 Broadband extended the UC2B network to a record 2,750 new Champaign and Urbana homes in 2017, and plans to pass more than 3,000 additional homes in 2018. By the end of 2018, i3 Broadband plans to be able to serve more than 10,000 Champaign and Urbana homes.
“As we stated when first entering this market last year, i3 Broadband is excited to continue the growth of the UC2B fiber optic network in Champaign-Urbana, and appreciates the support from the UC2B Board, the cities of Champaign and Urbana, and the University of Illinois. We’re proud to continue making Champaign-Urbana one of the elite Gigabit communities in the country, and we’re thankful for the customers who make it possible,” said i3 Broadband President and CEO, Grier Raclin.
“We earn customers’ business and loyalty every day, and are a strong proponent of a neutral internet. As a high-capacity, local provider of internet access services, we do not throttle or prioritize customers’ internet access or content,” Raclin continued.
Fiber optic services offer substantial economic growth and job creation opportunities to communities. Champaign-Urbana’s growing fiber network puts the community on the path for continued success, fostering positive growth and innovation.
“The original vision of affordable fiber connectivity throughout Champaign and Urbana is well on its way to becoming a reality” said UC2B Board Chairman Charlie Smyth. “Champaign and Urbana are becoming real Gigabit-connected communities as UC2B’s partner, i3 Broadband, builds out the fiber network to more residential neighborhoods every year.”
It’s easy for neighborhoods and businesses to get connected. i3 Broadband builds to the areas showing the greatest interest in receiving broadband services. If you haven’t done so already, indicate your interest in receiving i3 Broadband’s services at i3broadband.com/map_champaign-urbana/. There’s absolutely no cost or obligation in signing up, but it will manifest your neighborhood’s interest in getting connected. Check out the fiber network extension plan at i3broadband.com/map_champaign-urbana/ where you can see what areas are serviceable and what areas are under construction. Search your address to see where your neighborhood stands and sign up!
About i3 Broadband
i3 Broadband provides Internet, TV, and Voice services through a 100% fiber optic network in the greater Champaign, Urbana and Peoria, Illinois markets. For more information, visit i3broadband.com or call 877-976-0711.
About UC2B
UC2B is a not-for-profit organization created by the Cities of Urbana and Champaign, Illinois and the University of Illinois to oversee the UC2B fiber optic network throughout the community. UC2B started as an intergovernmental consortium in 2010 to build and operate the UC2B fiber-optic network using federal and state grants with local matching funds. For more information about UC2B, visit www.uc2b.net.