In March 2010, construction began on Highland’s fiber-to-the-home system, known as Highland Communication Services or HCS. When completed, the network will be capable of delivering high-speed internet, cable television, and phone services throughout the community.
Just when all phases of the project will be completed depends on financing, particularly whether the city acquires additional grant funding. But most estimates put completion of the project several years away. The first phase, however, should allow some residents and businesses to be connected by the fall of 2010. Phase one of the fiber project will pass 400 commercial and 200 residential sites. It will come down U.S. Highway 40, and continue up Illinois Route 143, across Troxler Avenue to Illinois Route 160, and past St. Joseph Hospital to the Lindenthal School Campus. Phase two will cover additional residential areas, based on population density and reaching the most customers for the least cost.
The fiber-to-the-home service was hailed as a way to improve local communications, including phone, internet, and cable television. The project will bring fiber-optic cable to homes and businesses in the city using Highland’s existing electrical system infrastructure and its easements to run the cable. The City Council last January voted 3-2 to go ahead with the fiber project, awarding bids for construction, supplies, and issuing bonds.
The City estimates it needs 23 percent of potential customers to subscribe to the network to break even on the first phase.
The first phase of installing the fiber is currently underway after the awarding bid for construction was below expectations. Return to this website for updates on the progress of this initiative for the City of Highland.
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