The City of Lincoln is committed to providing fast, reliable internet access for all residents, businesses, and organizations in our community. In pursuit of this goal, we are launching the Broadband Master Plan, an initiative that will improve internet access and expand broadband infrastructure. As we transition toward broadband usage, we will be assessing current infrastructure, identifying gaps, and exploring opportunities for improvement.

Key Goals

  • Reducing the Digital Divide: We want to ensure everyone in our community, including underserved and unserved areas, can access reliable and affordable internet.
  • Improving Fiber Infrastructure: Enacting our plan will expand high-speed internet connections in commercial areas to foster economic development and job creation.
  • Enhancing Public Services:  Public facilities and businesses need access to high-speed internet access to operate efficiently.
  • Supporting Community Growth: High-speed, reliable internet access is essential for Lincoln’s economic development, education, healthcare, and public safety.

How Will the Plan Work?

The Broadband Master Plan will be completed in two phases:

  • Phase 1: The internet services already available in Lincoln will be assessed to determine what the community needs and identify any gaps. The findings will help us plan strategic improvements.
  • Phase 2: Based on what we establish in Phase 1, we will begin putting recommendations into action. This includes securing grants, finalizing policies, and developing public-private partnerships for long-term success.

The plan also involves close collaboration with residents and businesses to make sure that the city's needs are met. Focus groups and surveys will be conducted to gather feedback and inform the final plan.

Take Our Survey

We want to hear from you! Community feedback will help us identify areas for improvement and better understand how we can make sure you have access to the services you need. Please participate in our survey to give us feedback on your internet access, provider experience, and service needs. Your responses will help shape the future of broadband in our city.
Who

You should take our survey if:

  • You choose and/or pay for services for your home or work location. If that does not describe you, the person who is responsible for this should be the one to participate. *Provide information about your primary residence or organization's main location in the area.*
  • You work from home. *Complete the survey only for your household.*
How
  • If your location at the time of taking the survey has broadband, use a computer directly wired to your internet connection.
  • If the location does not have broadband, you can complete this survey from any internet connected device, or you can request a printed survey form by contacting us at research@entrustsol.com.
Click 

Click the button or scan the QR code below to participate:

Take Our Survey 

Encuesta en Español

QR Code for Broadband Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is broadband? 
Broadband is high-speed internet access that can be delivered through different types of technologies like fiber optics, wireless, cable, among others. 
What will the Broadband Master Plan do for the city?
Our end goal is to provide the entire Lincoln community with reliable, high-speed internet, including certain areas in the city that have never had the infrastructure to offer internet at all.
Why is this plan important? 
The plan’s goal is to improve the overall quality of life for everyone, identify areas lacking internet access, and support job-creating businesses. The plan will foster growth, ensuring we stay competitive as a city, and will help make our community stronger and more connected.
How will this project be funded?
The plan is funded by the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been earmarked for broadband. The buildout of the plan will be completed using grants and funds from development or other related building permits.
Will there be construction in my neighborhood?

Any necessary construction to improve broadband infrastructure will be communicated in advance. Most upgrades will involve existing infrastructure, so disruptions should be minimal.
Will the city be running the internet service?
The city will not be running the internet service itself; instead, we are working with ENTRUST to find the best private company to manage and run the city’s publicly owned fiber internet network through a public-private partnership.
How can I get involved?

Residents and businesses can participate by providing feedback through community surveys and attending public workshops. Check back for more details on how you can get involved.
What is the purpose of the survey and how will my responses be used?

We value your privacy and want to assure you that this survey is designed to understand the internet access needs of our City. All responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of improving broadband access in our community. Your personal information will not be collected, shared, or used for any other purpose.