Bureau County Republican

Event highlights iFiber network

OGLESBY — Illinois Fiber Resources Group (iFiber) partners were joined by legislators, state officials, local mayors, community anchor institutions (CAIs) and others at a press event recognizing completion of the grant portion of the BTOP-funded high-speed broadband project, serving nine northwest counties of Illinois. The event was Oct. 16 at Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby.

iFiber is a provider of extremely high-speed (up to 10 Gpbs) network transport services to both the public and private sector. It is providing subsidized access directly to eligible CAIs — public sector organizations — including schools, community colleges, libraries, healthcare facilities, municipalities, county and public safety facilities. The grant construction project was completed by Dec. 31, 2013, meeting requirements of the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunity Program.

"We are proud of the accomplishment of building this 900-mile broadband network," said John L. Lewis, iFiber executive director. “It would have not have been possible without support of state, federal and local partners. The State of Illinois provided $14 million in matching funds thanks to the legislature and Governor. "The entire team has worked diligently to be good stewards of the grant funds. iFiber has built an exceptional regional broadband network and will continue to maintain it as we expand it. Throughout the project, we worked hard to maximize the quality of the network while staying within the parameters of the grant."

Other speakers at the event included Glenn Trommels, iFiber board chairman and CIO for the city of Rockford; Ellen McCurdy, senior policy advisor for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; State Rep. Frank Mautino; Jerry Hicks, LaSalle County Board chairman; and Jerry Corcoran, IVCC president. A letter from State Sen. Sue Rezin was read.