Downtown Rockford Goes Wireless!

ROCKFORD - Monday, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and local business leaders activated a wireless network in downtown Rockford.  The launch of Wi-Fi access in Rockford is the first phase of a plan that will provide broadband services throughout a 10-county area in Northern Illinois.

 

"Technology is crucial to revitalizing downtown areas," Quinn said.  "This is a shining example of what grassroots organizing between local businesses can accomplish."

 

  The successful launch of the 8-square-mile zone of wireless broadband connectivity in Rockford is the result of a unique collaboration between local business leaders and owners.  ROC-net Services, or Regional Optic Cooperation, is a Rockford-based company using its own fiber optic network to provide bandwidth for Rockford's new wireless Internet service, and installed the "cellular-style" base stations on top of buildings owned by Fridh Corporation, a Northern Illinois real estate development firm.

 

Representatives from ROC-net Services and Fridh Corporation joined Quinn at the launch announcement, along with Sen. Dick Durbin, Congressman Don Manzullo and local business leaders who are already enjoying the benefits of the new wireless zone.

 

 Rockford's Swedish American Health System is already a ROC-net customer experiencing improved Internet access and speed of service.  The wireless zone facilitates the quick download of medical files and information and, as the network expands, even the most rural clinics will be able to transfer high-resolution medical images to major metropolitan health care facilities in seconds.   

 

            This first phase of broadband deployment in Rockford increases access to economic opportunities for businesses and residents in one of the most underserved areas in Illinois.  A wireless Rockford will attract new business and improve working business strategies. 

 

"ROC-net Service's creative collaboration with local businesses is a step toward bridging the digital divide and spurring economic development in Rockford" Quinn said. "Simply re-wiring the way we think about doing business can result in a wireless Northern Illinois."

 

As chairman of the Broadband Deployment Council, Quinn is actively involved in improving high-speed Internet access for all Illinois residents.  Recently the Lt. Governor's Main Street program awarded grants to help member communities Quincy and Mt. Vernon bring their own downtown districts online.  For more information about the Broadband Deployment Council, please visit www.IllinoisConnect.org.