LINCOLN, IL. – i3 Broadband, the leading fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) provider of 100% fiber-optic, high-speed internet service in Illinois announced today, the expansion of its network to the residents and businesses of Lincoln. The company will invest approximately $15M to bring the life-changing benefits of broadband service to the city’s approximately 13,500 residents. Construction will begin soon in Lincoln, eventually covering the city. i3 Broadband will offer a highly competitive package that includes Gig speed service, plus the company’s i3 Smart Wi-Fi powered by plume, for $44.99 per month.
“By expanding our network to Lincoln, we continue to execute our long-term vision of substantially growing our footprint, and our relationships with each community we serve,” said Brian Olson, Chief Operating Officer of i3 Broadband. “We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the community and it’s elected partners to provide services that vastly surpass those of existing providers. Our expansion compliments Lincoln as an even more competitive place to live, work, and play. We’re acquiring a retail location for service and billing needs and are thrilled to be bringing new jobs to the community.”
The company, through its Smart Wi-Fi brand products, has long been committed to bringing broadband service to rural Americans. As part of that commitment, the company’s overall investment to bring high-speed broadband service to homes across Logan County, including the town of Lincoln by 2022. i3 Broadband’s network has been nationally recognized in the Top 3 Companies Nationwide for both internet speed and customer satisfaction.
Tracy Welch, Mayor, City of Lincoln commented, “Lincoln is excited to have a new broadband company that can offer our residents another option for Internet, TV, and Phone. I have no doubt that the community will embrace i3 Broadband and consider the services they provide when looking for a company to fulfill their broadband needs.”
“The world is changing, and economic development is changing with it. As more individuals have the freedom to work from anywhere, fast, reliable, affordable internet becomes paramount in attracting new residents. Lincoln was recently named the eighth most affordable city in the country by realtor.com. The emergence of i3 Broadband in our market allows professionals who are looking for a great place to live and work to find that in Lincoln. For our current residents, i3’s price point allows families of all sizes the speed necessary to simultaneously live, work, and connect in a global environment at an affordable price.” added Andrea Runge, CEO, LEAD.
Chief Marketing Officer Jane Larson concluded, “The ongoing public health emergency has starkly illustrated the necessity of broadband – and the broadband gap and lack of competition for their hard-earned dollars too many Illinois residents face. I am extremely pleased i3 Broadband’s investment will expand underserved residents of Lincoln during this trying time.”
About i3 Broadband
i3 Broadband is the leading fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) operator in Illinois, providing Gigabit-speed Broadband, Television, and Voice services to residential and commercial customers throughout Central Illinois and now Missouri. It also serves select markets in the East Bay of Rhode Island.