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According to research by Pew Charitable Trusts, an internet
access survey found that only 34% of public housing households
had high-speed internet access, 35% were underconnected, and 31%
had no access at all.
In downstate Illinois, residents from rural areas are sometimes
forced to go to common areas to get reliable internet service.
Republican gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Darren Darren
Bailey said in Mt. Carmel, he noticed students congregating at
the library after dark.
“They informed me that the reason they stayed open that late is
because these students didn’t have broadband access and they
were doing that so they could get their homework done,” Bailey
said.
Bailey said the cost of installing cable in rural areas where
housing is spread out may be too great, and wireless internet
may be the future.
Federal lawmakers last year included billions of dollars in the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help bring high speed
internet service to more Americans.
The Federal Communications Commission announced this week it is
authorizing around $800 million for the Rural Digital
Opportunity Fund for six providers to expand broadband in 19
states, including Illinois, which will receive the largest
amount at $212 million.
“This round of funding supports projects using a range of
network technologies, including gigabit service hybrid
fiber/fixed wireless deployments that will provide end-user
locations with either fiber or fixed wireless network service
using licenses spectrum,” the FCC said in a news release.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Illinoisans should see improvements next
year.
“There are almost 3,000 Starlink satellites that have already
been launched and allowing people in areas of Michigan and other
parts of the country so far, starting in Illinois next year, to
connect with satellites,” said Pritzker.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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