ProTek Awarded $51 million to aid in $68 million broadband expansion project in Southern Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 3rd, 2024

ProTek Fiber Secures $51 Million Grant from Illinois DCEO's Connect Illinois Program to Expand High-Speed Internet Access in Rural Southern Illinois

Marion, IL – ProTek Fiber, a leading provider of high-speed internet services, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a substantial $51 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through its Connect Illinois Program. This funding will support the expansion of fiber-optic internet infrastructure in underserved areas of Southern Illinois, emphasizing the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to broadband internet services.

The grant, awarded through a competitive process, positions ProTek Fiber to bring reliable and high-speed internet access to communities across Williamson, Jackson, Franklin, Johnson, and Union counties. This initiative directly addresses the critical need for connectivity in rural regions, empowering residents and businesses with transformative opportunities.

"We are excited to receive this substantial grant funding from the Illinois DCEO's Connect Illinois Program, which will play a pivotal role in our mission to expand access to high-speed internet in rural Southern Illinois," said Cameron McCurdy, Owner of ProTek Fiber. "This investment underscores the state's recognition of the importance of digital equity and its commitment to empowering communities with robust internet connectivity."

The expansion project, slated to commence later this year and conclude in 2026, will involve the deployment of state-of-the-art fiber-optic cables to deliver gigabit-speed internet services directly to homes, businesses, and community institutions in underserved areas. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and industry expertise, ProTek Fiber aims to enhance educational opportunities, spur economic development, and improve healthcare access through telemedicine solutions.

"We look forward to collaborating closely with local stakeholders and community leaders as we work to bring high-speed internet access to residents and businesses in rural Southern Illinois," added McCurdy.

For more information about ProTek Fiber and its efforts to expand high-speed internet access in Southern Illinois, please visit www.protekweb.com.

Email: [email protected]

Award Area Map: https://share.vetro.io/view/QOVFr8XaCOIe3DL5nCkyi/map#8.92/37.6172/-89.1794

Customer Interest Form: https://forms.gle/ayAzrqSKhm7jUaW2A

DCEO Announcement: 
https://dceo.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dceo/connectillinois/documents/connect-illinois-project-summaries.pdf

Material Vendor RFP: 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ4DDfGeqr-IMK0PQTntM9ydB9P7coAp4CgdBpRdOfXyykIXORRBL7L9m0pzO4hALXYkg4kgAJYML1R/pubhtml

Contractor RFP: 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vS6SoKXNWXmMy7TQ_xKYDCDWk_1b5fbfa0QMTrESjFsxm2ibq_nUZAZpKnF0nJ7xXnpd72gbzdy3k9U/pubhtml