UC2B is an intergovernmental consortium of the University of Illinois and the cities of Urbana and Champaign dedicated to building and operating an open-access fiber-optic broadband networkthroughout the Champaign-Urbana area. The project is made possible by a $22.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The State of Illinois provided a $3.5 million grant and local matching funds added an additional $3.4 million to fund the project.

The foundation of the UC2B network will be the fiber-optic “backbone” infrastructure that will be constructed with the grant money. The grant also will provide “fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP) connectivity directly to well over 150 Community Anchor Institutions throughout Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy and to households in several underserved neighborhoods in Champaign and Urbana.

This direct connectivity will enable improved access/support to health care, educational and recreational institutions, public safety and government agencies, and social service and religious organizations, as well as increased access to public computing centers. and a sustainable adoption and educational outreach program for vulnerable populations. Training, entertainment, and social networking opportunities will also be enhanced.

A Collaborative Effort

The UC2B consortium is governed by a Policy Committee consisting of representatives from the three consortium member agencies: the University of Illinois, the City of Champaign, and the City of Urbana. Community members also sit on the UC2B Policy Committee. The Policy Committee is governed by the rules as set forth in bylaws as adopted by the Policy Committee on June 3, 2010. Regular meetings of the policy are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon in the City of Champaign Council Chambers at 102 N. Neil Street in Champaign. Meetings are open to the public.

To keep current on the activities of the UC2B Policy Committee, visit their working space.

The UC2B Technical Committee reviews all aspects of the design, construction, and operations of the UC2B network. The Technical Committee makes recommendations on these matters to inform discussion and decisions of the Policy Committee. The Technical Committee meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3:30 in the City of Champaign Council Chambers, 102 N. Neil Street in Champaign. Meetings are open to the public.

To keep current on the activities of the UC2B Technology Committee, visit their documentation space.

Subcommittees

In an effort to help address the many complex issues surrounding the UC2B project, the Policy Committee has authorized the formation of several subcommittees. These meetings are also regularly scheduled and open to the public. Click on the links below or attend the meetings to get more information.

• IRU & Existing Fiber Subcommittee
• Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee
• Operations Support System/Business Support System Subcommittee

Click here for a detailed description, diagrams and pictures of the UC2B network.

Click here to learn about the history of UC2B.