SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead the passage of House Bill 1062 in the Senate, providing a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“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,” said 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 (ICN) delivers wholesale internet services to public entities across the state — including schools, libraries and higher education institutions. However, without sufficient federal investment, the burden of expanding reliable broadband increasingly falls to the state.

House Bill 1062 addresses this challenge by directing state efforts to prioritize broadband expansion to anchor institutions located within five miles of existing ICN infrastructure. Institutions within 10 miles are prioritized next, followed by those located farther away that qualify for the federal E-Rate program — an initiative that, while helpful, has proven insufficient to meet the scope of Illinois' needs.

The final stages of prioritization include institutions that require expanded middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure — investments that would have been more feasible had federal support not been abruptly withdrawn.

“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."

Ventura’s legislation comes as the federal government recently revoked Illinois’ $23.7 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant award — an action that halted numerous planned digital equity projects. The grant program had garnered over 260 applications from nonprofits, libraries and local governments requesting more than $130 million in support.

“Now more than ever it is imperative that our state recognize what broadband offers to residents and invest in it. Critical public spaces such as libraries will be stuck with outdated technology. The need for broadband has always been important, but given the current cuts we must act swiftly,” said Ventura. “This loss of federal funding makes it clear that Illinois must lead in providing state resources and prioritizing broadband infrastructure. Our communities deserve equal access to the internet.”

House Bill 1062 passed the Senate on Wednesday, demonstrating Illinois’ commitment to fill the gaps left by federal retreat and deliver the broadband infrastructure communities urgently need.

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