Waukegan Approves Fiber Deal Reaching 11,300 Sites as Clearwave Plans 7-Gig Service
Updated
Updated · Chicago Tribune · Jul 22
Waukegan Approves Fiber Deal Reaching 11,300 Sites as Clearwave Plans 7-Gig Service
1 articles · Updated · Chicago Tribune · Jul 22
Summary
Waukegan’s City Council unanimously approved a right-of-way agreement allowing Clearwave Fiber to build an underground network serving 9,000 homes and 2,300 businesses.
Clearwave said construction is slated to begin in the last three months of 2026 and the network should be completed within about a year, with customers connected as each fiber distribution area goes live.
7-gig service will top the offering, while entry-level plans start at $34.99 a month; the company said installation is free, contracts are not required and data is unlimited.
No city funding is attached to the project, Clearwave told aldermen, saying it will bear the full cost and has made no economic promises in the agreement.
Clearwave, already operating in other Chicago-area suburbs, said the buildout should expand internet choice in Waukegan and support residents with varying needs as well as local businesses.