Marion, IL – State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) is congratulating Marion-based ProTek Fiber, a leading provider of high-speed internet services for securing a $51 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The funding will support the expansion of fiber-optic internet infrastructure in underserved areas of Southern Illinois.
“I was proud to write a letter of support on behalf of ProTek Fiber as they pursued this important grant funding,” Jacobs said. “We must stay committed to closing the gap caused by the digital divide and build for the future of networking and computing right here in Southern Illinois.”
Rep. Jacobs, who represents portions of Williamson, Jackson, Pulaski, Union, and Alexander Counties says the grant funding will tackle a growing need to connect rural areas with a multitude of business, educational, and economic opportunities.
“The age of the internet is obviously here to stay, and will drive our economic development for generations to come. I want Southern Illinois on the cutting edge of technology so our region can compete with our neighbors in surrounding states, and indeed in the rest of the world,” Jacobs said.
“This grant funding will go a long way in connecting Southern Illinoisans with the rest of the world.”
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