News tagged with chicago broadband challenge

Rahm's broadband plan draws lots of interest

Greg Hinz on Crain's Chicago Business, Nov 28, 2012

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to position Chicago for the digital age has received a warm reception from telecom providers, with more than a score of companies, including industry leaders, seriously kicking tires on the idea of providing ultra-high-speed broadband and expanded free Wi-Fi service here.

South Side Gigabit Challenge and Chicago's Broadband Future

Roxana Ryan, Oct 16, 2012

CHICAGO- October 16, 2012 -- Governor Pat Quinn today announced the first winner of the Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge, Gigabit Squared. The company, the City of Chicago, the University of Chicago, and Cook County, will receive $2 million in seed funding to jumpstart a fiber optic and wireless network in nine South Side Chicago neighborhoods. 

Making the Most of our Broadband Moment

Oct 12, 2012

Illinois, and Chicago along with it, has hit its moment for broadband. A series of initiatives have laid the foundation for private and public organizations to focus on high-speed infrastructure and broadband usage. We at Broadband Illinois recently announced 14 awardees for the Broadband Innovation Fund. And we look forward to the Illinois Gigabit Challenge rolling out. 

Special Report: Chicago Broadband Challenge

Roxana Ryan, Sep 26, 2012

• On September 24, 2012 Mayor Emanuel announced an ambitious broadband initiative with a three key missions:

1. Build gigabit last-mile fiber infrastructure in 15 “innovation zones” located in commercial and industrial corridors throughout the city, feeding Chicago’s growing startup community.
2. Bring cheap broadband access to underserved neighborhoods in the city and develop training programs to teach residents in those areas the “digital skills” necessary to put that access to use.
3. Launch a network of free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout city parks, plazas and other public spaces.