On March 28, 2011, a Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER) construction crew hung the first strand of fiber for the new 1,600-mile fiber network that will provide high-speed Internet access across Pennsylvania. With this new network, KINBER plans to connect over 60 education, research, healthcare, and economic development community anchor institutions.

KINBER, with the help of its contractor, Sunesys, deployed seven construction crews to string the fiber and stage networking hardware at community anchor institutions. The BTOP-funded project has created more than 50 construction jobs. Through October 2011, the crews had deployed 325 new miles and prepared the first 13 community anchor institutions for connection. Broadband service to these community anchor institutions across southern and central Pennsylvania will increase to speeds of 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps.

KINBER’s ultimate goal is to increase educational development in the 39 counties the network spans. Oftentimes, small public universities, especially in rural areas, are left behind because they do not have the necessary broadband capabilities or capacity. Access to this new high-speed network will allow these educational institutions to expand distance learning programs and work collaboratively with other research facilities. Additionally, KINBER plans to offer Internet services at affordable prices. KINBER expects that this affordable broadband network will supplement efforts to spur business growth in these small, rural communities.

Last updated: January 5, 2012