New State Law Allows Counties to Lease High-Speed Fiber

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​Illinois lawmakers have passed an amendment to the Counties Code, empowering local governments to lease or license fiber optic infrastructure to enhance broadband access. Spearheaded by Kane County, the legislation allows counties to lease county-owned fiber to service providers, helping to recover the initial investment in fiber infrastructure and expand regional access.

The initiative aims to create partnerships with service providers seeking fiber infrastructure for broadband services, including internet, voice, data, and video. By leasing this infrastructure, counties can turn it into a revenue-generating asset, recouping their investment.

Over the past 14 years, Kane County has invested more than $10 million in fiber infrastructure through the Kane County Information Technology department, in collaboration with the Kane Division of Transportation.

The provisions of SB 3173 will take effect on January 1, 2025.