Mayor Announces Plan to Provide Gigabit Internet Service by 2019 in Lincoln

Tue, November 17, 2015
Mayor Chris Beutler today announced a partnership with ALLO Communications, a Nelnet Company, to provide gigabit Internet service to every home and business in Lincoln by 2019.  He said the  Nebraska-based company will build an ultra-fast broadband network using the City’s existing fiber conduit network to speed up construction.

“In today’s world, access to ultra-fast broadband is a key factor when people decide where to live and locate new businesses, and we want the City of Lincoln to be at the top of their lists,” Beutler said.  “This partnership will increase Lincoln’s ability to compete on a global stage, create new and exciting educational opportunities and make our City a destination for next generation businesses that could not have considered us before.  Our partnership with ALLO will be a game changer for our City, making us a technology leader not just in Nebraska, but in the nation and the world.”

ALLO Communications is a telecommunications company offering local telephone, long distance, broadband, Internet and television service to residents and businesses.  ALLO was formed in 2003 and currently provides communications services to over 20 cities in Nebraska.

“We are excited to partner with the City to bring a best-in-class communications infrastructure to Lincoln and to compete for opportunities to serve Lincoln families, start-ups and small businesses with pure fiber optic service,” said Brad Moline, President of ALLO.  “Exceptionally fast fiber Internet enhances all of our experiences with technology and immediately puts Lincoln on the map of cities moving forward to embrace technology.”

“This is a historic moment for Lincoln, one that reconfirms our place on the global stage and ensures we remain competitive,” said Wendy Birdsall, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.  “The impact of this announcement from ALLO and Nelnet will ripple through every business looking to expand or build in our City.  In answering the call recently put forth by Angelou Economics to boost the City’s global competitiveness and sustaining our momentum, this is a giant leap forward for the future of our City.”

Beutler said providing affordable, high-speed Internet services is a competitive advantage that will propel Lincoln’s future economic growth in several ways:

Other communities with access to gigabit service have seen a growth in their per capita gross domestic product, and that could add millions to Lincoln’s economy.
High-speed broadband attracts homebuyers.  A nationwide study by the University of Colorado and Carnegie Mellon University found that high-speed Internet can add nearly $5,500 to the value of a $175,000 home.
The fiber network will increase the ability of local entrepreneurs and small businesses to be successful in the global business environment.
A gigabit network will allow the development of new applications and services, bringing in new investment and talent.
Broadband speed is a factor when young professionals consider career choices.
The Mayor said providing high-speed Internet will create even greater educational opportunities for students and build network capacity to allow for other new technology needs in homes.

Beutler said the City laid the groundwork for the partnership in 2012, when it launched a fiber conduit project  with support from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders. The City has now established relationships with six business class broadband providers, greatly exceeding expectations.  

“As part of the partnership, the City will continue to invest and improve our community’s broadband network, allowing private sector companies like ALLO to drive greater innovation and a more competitive economy,” Mayor Beutler said.  “These types of public-private partnerships are critical in building the vibrant future we envision for Lincoln.”

The Telecommunications/Cable Television Advisory Board will meet Thursday, November 19 on the proposal.  The meeting is at 3 p.m. in Room 303 at the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th Street.  The proposal is expected to be introduced at the City Council meeting November 23, with a public hearing December 7 and a vote December 14.