HiBeam/Principia College Partnership Brings Fast, Affordable Internet Access to Communities Surrounding College

Thursday, Jul 29, 2010

HiBeam Internet & Voice (www.MyHiBeam.com) and Principia College (www.principia.edu) today jointly announced their partnership to provide much faster and more affordable Internet access to approximately 300 homes surrounding Principia College. The solution designed by HiBeam and Principia combines towers on the Principia campus with HiBeam's technology and unique approach to customer service. New HiBeam customers describe the service as "lightning fast" and an excellent alternative to slow dial-up service.

“With their technical know-how, HiBeam was the perfect partner to help us accomplish this.”

"Principia College understands the power of high speed Internet for our students, faculty, and staff. But being in a rural area, we knew that many people connected to the college in some way were not able to enjoy high speed Internet. We wanted to effectively re-use our towers to extend our reach to nearby communities," said Richard Booth, Chief Technology Officer for Principia College. "With their technical know-how, HiBeam was the perfect partner to help us accomplish this."

Surrounding communities now served by HiBeam include:

• Village of Elsah
• Lockhaven
• Elsha Hills
• Joywood Drive
• Brookhaven Drive
• Dogwood Drive
• Oakwood Drive
• Crescent Drive

"HiBeam's vision is to bring high speed Internet to homes and businesses in underserved or unserved areas of the country," said Christopher J. Benyo, Chief of Customer Operations for HiBeam. "The residents surrounding the college were often paying $80 - $100 per month for satellite, or choosing very slow dial-up service. This partnership with Principia College is a perfect example of the private sector and a non-profit group coming together to make a real difference in the lives of people in this community."

HiBeam is rapidly expanding its customer base with its recent launch in Peoria and Marion, IL and in Joplin, MO. The company plans to expand its services to other areas in the near future.

Source: Business Wire