More than 30 years ago, i3 Broadband began as a small dial-up internet provider serving East Peoria, Illinois. Today, it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing broadband providers in the Midwest and Northeast, operating fiber-to-the-home and hybrid fiber-coaxial networks that deliver connectivity to underserved communities across Illinois, Missouri and Rhode Island.
From remote jobs to telehealth services and online learning, access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. After completing two major expansions into Saint Charles and Saint Louis, Missouri, and the northwestern Chicago suburbs, while finishing its largest network buildout in fewer than 10 years, i3 Broadband is focused on “future-proofing” communities. Its fiber-optic network will meet the rapidly evolving needs of modern life — and the company has plans to expand into additional locations.
“Many consumers in underserved areas still only have one option for internet — the local cable company, which isn’t fast enough in today’s digital age,” notes Mike Elam, i3 Broadband’s vice president of community affairs and market development.
i3 Broadband’s rapid growth is also positioning it as one of the nation’s leading regional broadband providers focused on underserved markets.
“Providing a choice to these communities is a big part of our business model. In today’s world, so many products are designed to connect to the internet — digital thermostats, security systems and doorbells … even appliances connect to an app. We are here to ensure our customers are connected and ready for new technological advancements on the horizon,” said Elam.
CoBank isn’t just our lender, but a true partner who has grown alongside us.
To help with this evolution, i3 Broadband works with CoBank as its financial partner, utilizing a full suite of products and services offered by the bank. To support its future expansion plans, i3 Broadband recently increased its credit facilities with CoBank and the Farm Credit System, nearly doubling its commitments to $500 million. i3 Broadband also leverages CoBank’s cash management service.
“CoBank isn’t just our lender, but a true partner who has grown alongside us,” said Jeff Nickel, i3 Broadband’s vice president of finance. “CoBank is really good at rolling up their sleeves and digging in to understand our business.”
As i3 Broadband looks toward the future, the company is excited to continue strengthening connectivity and the economy in underserved communities. “Access to high-speed internet opens so many doors while providing so much more flexibility. We couldn’t do it without partners like CoBank. They truly feel like an extension of our company and a leader in our success,” Nickel said.