SPRINGFIELD – High-speed internet for the entire state has yet to become a reality, leaving rural areas with patchy and often unreliable services. State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead House Bill 1062 through the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

“Broadband access should be available to all. This legislation aims to prioritize anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost effective way possible,” Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, which is critical for daily life.”

The Illinois Century Network, or ICN, provides essential internet services wholesale to public entities, or anchor institutions, in the state such as K-12 and higher education facilities, public libraries and more, ensuring ample availability for cloud-based content, data, video disaster recovery services and audio communications.

House Bill 1062 expands broadband access by prioritizing connections to anchor institutions near the existing state network. Those within 5 to 10 miles are prioritized first to minimize costs and maximize use of current infrastructure, followed by harder-to-reach institutions needing new buildout. The goal is to lay a cost-effective foundation for future last-mile expansion.

“Ensuring libraries, schools, forest preserves and correctional facilities across the state are first in line to internet access is imperative for the progress of rural communities. Prioritizing these essential institutions means more students can succeed in the classroom, educators have the most up-to-date resources, park rangers can access communication with ease and law enforcement have the tools they need to do their jobs best," said Briel (D-Ottawa). "I’m thrilled to work alongside Senator Ventura to get this bill through the finish line and connect more residents to the high speed internet access they need to succeed in today’s virtually-dependent environment."

House Bill 1062 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.