Chicago Plans affordable gigabit Internet access in selected zones
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has put out requests for vendor qualifications as Chicago prepares to bring gigabit-class Internet service to certain neighborhoods. Chicago has designated seven “Innovation Zones” for the faster service which will not based on Google Fiber.
The biggest and busiest city in the Midwest, Chicago is home to almost 3 million people. Comcast provides high-speed cable Internet access, while AT&T is the major DSL provider.
Before powering up the seven ultra high speed Internet zones, the city says it must take several months reviewing qualifications
and proposals from potential vendors. The goal, Yager says, is to promote businesses and universities across Chicago.
“This is really a huge economic development initiative,” she said. She believes providing access to gigabit-speed Internet — which is 100 times faster than basic broadband — will encourage business creation, growth, expansion and relocation.