Earlier this month, i3 Broadband announced their plans to move forward with constructing a gigabit-capable fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in multiple neighborhoods in Champaign-Urbana, IL (see "i3 Building FTTH Network in Champaign-Urbana, IL"). To support its fiber network expansion, i3 has chosen Huawei for the company’s gigabit systems.
i3 offers Internet up to gigabit speeds, HD video, and voice services in Peoria, Champaign and Urbana. By building the FTTH network, i3 plans to expand fiber connectivity to residential homes and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in the Champaign-Urbana and the greater Peoria areas.
"The goal of i3 Broadband is to reduce cost, create value and continue to offer high-quality internet, HD TV and voice services to residential and business customers," said Dan Kennedy, i3 Broadband COO. "As i3 Broadband continues to expand its all fiber, ultra-high speed network to more locations within the communities we serve, i3 Broadband is excited to be using Huawei MDU products, as their next-generation solutions will allow i3 Broadband to quickly acquire new MDU customers and speed our market delivery."
Huawei says the fiber network expansion will address an increase in multifamily residential building construction, along with customer demand for faster broadband speeds, responsive internet, HD TV and voice services for MDUs. Deployment of elements of Huawei's MDU portfolio, which includes GPON, NG-PON and D-CCAP technologies that deliver gigabit bandwidth, will enable i3 Broadband to serve its existing users, decrease costs and increase efficiency when installing connections for future MDU customers.
To support its fiber network expansion, i3 plans to hire local technicians and other positions later this year.