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 championed on a new law that will provide a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Access to broadband has become critical for many aspects of daily life, especially in education. This law prioritizes 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, allowing them better integration into statewide networks and resources.”

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and last-mile infrastructure — investments that would have been more feasible had federal support not been abruptly withdrawn.

"The Illinois Century Network gives schools, universities, libraries, museums, and government agencies the reliable and high speed connectivity they rely on to serve communities across Illinois," said Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology Acting Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Brandon Ragle. "DoIT is proud to manage this network and strengthen it for the future."

Ventura’s new law 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.

“It has never been more imperative for the state to recognize the value in broadband and make significant investment in expanding it. Without it, critical public spaces in our communities such as libraries will be stuck with outdated technology that cannot meet the demands of the moment. The federal budget cuts have created an urgent need for swift action,” 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 takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.