By WMBD-TV

MCLEAN COUNTY – A lack of affordable high-speed internet is an issue for residents in rural McLean County.

Chad Walden is the village president of Arrowsmith, a small community in eastern McLean County. He said Arrowsmith, population of about 300, would benefit from having high-speed internet.

“We have struggled with the lack of high-speed internet for forever around here,” said Walden. “And it’s frustrating to a lot of our citizens here in town.”

So, the McLean County website has a form where people can share their experience about their current internet speeds and costs.

“We’re at the point now where we need to correct some incorrect information,” said Anthony Grant, the county’s assistant administrator.

He’s urging people in the rural parts of McLean County, specifically the eastern part of the county to complete the form about their internet services. The information will help the county present data so rural areas can receive high-speed internet through a grant.

“Right now we’ve got three large wireless companies that say they’re providing universal access for high-speed internet to meet those needs in eastern McLean County,” said Grant. “We need help from the public and information to be sent into us that states they aren’t able to access the internet at the speeds that they need.”

The issues created by not having high-speed internet were brought to the forefront when children and adults had to work from home during the pandemic. Arrowsmith’s community center was opened so children could complete their schoolwork.

“Arrowsmith is serviced by a DSL provider,” said Walden “It’s one of those situations where the more people get on the slower it gets.”

Grant and Walden agree that high-speed internet is a utility that will provide access in the county.

“I want to know if I’m a homeowner or going to be a homeowner, ‘can my kids do their homework, can they stream, can I work from home?’” said Walden. “All these things are relying on the internet. If you don’t have it you can’t be competitive as community and have people interested in moving to your community.”

Grant said they want to help as many people in rural areas.

Even if you do not reside in McLean County you can fill out the form. The county will have a team put the information together on Monday.

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