As part of a broader economic development agenda, Teska Associates developed a broadband technology strategy and application for Recovery Act funds under the USDA BIP program to build a high-speed fiber loop to connect key institutions and economic development sites in the City of Lincoln and Logan County. Excellent transportation access on I-55 and I-155, available land at two interchanges, an historic downtown, and surplus state property, make Lincoln a prime candidate for broadband technology to spur economic development, education and training opportunities. Key local institutions such as the City of Lincoln, Lincoln College, Lincoln Christian College, businesses, and Lincoln Community High School District 404, were all finding their needs for broadband increasing, making the cost of high-speed, reliable service unaffordable.
Teska and Northern Illinois University Broadband Development Group worked with the City of Lincoln and local organizations to form a non-profit organization, Lincoln-Net Inc., to build a broadband infrastructure with state-of-the-art Internet access. A local fiber loop will connect critical public safety, medical and education institutions, providing fiber for local business districts, and high-speed "point-to-point" wireless service throughout surrounding area for residents and small businesses.
The broadband network will provide access to all 31,000 residents, 1,111 businesses, and 269 institutions in the City of Lincoln and Logan County. The City of Lincoln received a commitment of $170,000 in State of Illinois matching funds during the federal application process, one of only ten successful applications submitted to the state.
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