WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderGovernor details plan to upgrade broadband access in Illinois
SYCAMORE (WREX) - Illinois is getting more than $13 million to expand broadband access in the northern part of the state.
Governor Pat Quinn detailed how the money will be used at a press conference in Sycamore Friday afternoon.
The DeKalb Advancement of Technology Authority (DATA) program will get some of the money to significantly upgrade service in that region. DATA is a consortium of public and private entities created to support high-speed, low-cost broadband infrastructure solutions in the DeKalb region.
"Access to affordable high-speed internet is critical in today's economy. Unfortunately, too many people in Illinois are being left out of the broadband revolution," said Governor Pat Quinn. "This important funding will expand broadband access to communities throughout northern Illinois and help ensure no one is left out."
The service will be expanded for schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, medical facilities and other community agencies, potentially serving more than 3,600 businesses and 34,000 households with fiber or low-cost broadband services.
The proposed network will cost approximately $14.8 million to build over the next two years. It's expected to create more than 20 construction jobs and 30 high tech jobs in the Dekalb area.
