A new ultra high-speed Internet connection that already links many Indiana colleges and universities could be available at nearly 40 public and private campuses across the state by the end of the year.

Indiana University officials say the "I-Light" network gives campus users Internet speeds more than 20 times faster than what they would have at home.

IU says work has been finished on nearly 1,200 miles of fiber-optic cable that forms the backbone of the network.

Officials say the system's speed is important for researchers because it provides access to massive data networks and makes it possible to work with other institutions on projects.

There are 26 campuses across the state are already online with the network, with 13 more expected to join by December.