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SB 43

IL CENTURY NETWORK-BROADBAND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mary Edly-Allen and 3 co-sponsors

SB 43 establishes Illinois Century Network to expand broadband infrastructure access statewide, prioritizing underserved communities and economic development opportunity.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 43

Legislative bill overview

SB 43 establishes the Illinois Century Network (ICN) Broadband initiative, which appears designed to expand broadband infrastructure and access across Illinois, particularly in underserved areas. The bill has been referred through committee assignments and currently remains in the legislative process with an established deadline framework.

Why is this important

Broadband access directly affects economic opportunity, education, healthcare access, and quality of life for residents in rural and underserved urban communities. Illinois's broadband expansion efforts could determine competitiveness for federal infrastructure funding and close the digital divide affecting hundreds of thousands of state residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism and cost: The bill's funding source, whether through state bonds, taxes, public-private partnerships, or federal grants, will determine taxpayer burden and affordability concerns
  • Public versus private utility roles: Tension may exist between expanding public broadband infrastructure versus relying on private providers, affecting competition and service quality
  • Implementation timeline and accountability: Questions about deployment schedules, service standards, rural prioritization, and mechanisms to ensure promised coverage actually materializes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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