Chicago Gigabit Challenge Takes Big Step Forward

Nathan Woodside
Published: February 13, 2014
Related to: Chicagoland eTeam

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday announced that his office has issued a request for qualifications from potential vendors in a plan to bring affordable gigabit-speed service to seven designated “innovation zones” around the city.

The plan is part of the Chicago Gigabit Challenge, an initiative announced by Emanuel in September 2012.

The innovation zones include the Loop, West Loop, University of Chicago and Medical Center, Pullman Industrial Corridor, River North, Illinois Institute of Technology and Bronzeville Commercial District.

Emanuel said it will take several months to review potential vendors and issue a request for proposals.

Emanuel has said the Chicago Gigabit Challenge aims to greatly reduce the cost of gigabit-speed services to businesses while bridging the digital divide in underserved areas.

Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI) Executive Board President Bob Taylor said he would fully support the plan.

“The Partnership for a Connected Illinois is excited that Mayor Emanuel is proceeding with an RFP for strengthening the City of Chicago’s broadband infrastructure,” Taylor said. “This is an important move forward in supporting the first major goal of the city’s new technology plan. We look forward to doing what we can to help implement the mayor’s new initiative for ‘Better Broadband for Better Lives’ in Chicago.”

PCI Executive Director Phil Halstead said the non-profit, state-chartered organization would assist wherever possible.

"Our eTeam structure is ready to help leverage the city of Chicago in its RFP process,” he said. “We are reaching out to stakeholders in the Chicago area who are in the innovation zones and those who are ready to explore community-wide networks. The city of Chicago is taking strategic steps that align with those of the State of Illinois and the National Broadband Plan. PCI is in a position to lift up best practices that can work in the Chicago market."

Click here to view maps of the seven innovation zones via the Chicago Tribune.