STERLING—Whiteside County’s internet fibre deployment project has achieved a significant milestone.
The Garden Plain Township became the 7,000th fibre client to be connected, according to a Monday announcement from JCE Co-op, formerly Jo-Carroll Energy Co-op. The fibre link was ceremoniously lit up to commemorate the event, which was attended by representatives from JCE Co-op, Garden Plain Township, and Whiteside County.
Whiteside County Board Chairman Marty Koster gave JCE Co-op President and CEO Mike Casper a $1 million cheque during the occasion, which took place in the Garden Plain Township Office/Garage. This cheque marks the county’s second installment of its local grant-matching pledge to increase local broadband.
Koster declared, “This fibre broadband investment is an investment in the county’s future.” “Broadband connectivity will improve the general quality of life and economic vitality of Whiteside County and the northwest Illinois region while levelling the playing field for businesses, education, healthcare, and agriculture.” The incredible development this project is making makes me very happy.
The installation of the fibre is a component of a broader project that received $91 million in Round 3 Connect Illinois Grants. The Illinois Office of Broadband is spearheading this equity-focused broadband infrastructure initiative, which focusses on the most underserved communities of colour and rural areas.
The $121 million investment, when paired with $30 million in local matching funds, would build over 1,500 miles of fibre infrastructure to service 10,000 homes, businesses, and organisations in the area.
“Whiteside County, JCE Co-op, and our partners’ collaboration is a testament to the power of regional cooperation,” Casper stated. We are influencing the digital future of the area by collaborating with Morrison Tech, Carroll and Jo Daviess counties, BEST Inc., and other relevant parties. When this fibre network is finished, it will have a significant positive impact on our society and economy.
Gary Camarano, director of economic development for Whiteside County, highlighted the transformative economic impact of broadband connection on rural towns, citing Centre on Rural Innovation research that shows the advantages for regions that have already adopted broadband fibre connectivity:
- 213% higher business growth rates
- 10% higher self-employment growth rates
- 18% higher per-capita income growth
- 44% higher gross domestic product growth rates
However, poor internet usage in rural counties frequently results in population decrease, business closures, and economic stagnation.
Recognised by the Illinois Department of Employment Security and provided by Morrison Tech, a private nonprofit college in Morrison, the Broadband Fibre Technician Apprenticeship Program is another important workforce development program linked to the region’s broadband expansion.
In addition, the school is starting an Automation Process Control Apprenticeship Program to help meet the growing need for personnel in the high-tech sector.
Morrison Tech, JCE Co-op, and Whiteside County are spearheading an effort to guarantee that the area fully embraces digital transformation by working to build a human-centered, digitally inclusive ecosystem that supports innovation, businesses, and education.
“We want to establish Whiteside County and northwest Illinois as a model for successful rural broadband,” Camarano stated. “By utilising this infrastructure, we are creating the groundwork for long-term economic expansion and improved living standards.”
