Fiber Optic Internet Competition Coming to New Lenox

NEW LENOX – Residents may soon have a new choice for high-speed internet, as Champaign-based Pavlov Media announced its intention to build out a fiber optic network across the village.

Mark Sheldon, VP of Government and Community Relations for Pavlov Media, addressed the Village Board during public comment Monday night, introducing the 30-year-old company and its plans.

“We believe that fiber optic internet is an imperative for any community,” Sheldon said. “You’ve got a lot of fantastic things happening here.”

Sheldon stated that Pavlov operates as a telephone company, allowing it to build in public utility right-of-ways. He stressed that the company can work within the village’s existing ordinances and that its primary goal during construction is safety for crews, village staff, and residents. The company uses door hangers, mailers, and pre-construction town hall meetings to keep residents informed.

He contrasted fiber with existing cable service, highlighting fiber’s superior upload speeds, which are crucial for security cameras, telehealth, and remote work.

“The amount of information that is leaving our homes and our businesses and going into the cloud… really, fiber internet is what is required to make that work right,” Sheldon argued.

Mayor Tim Baldermann questioned the company on its process for landscape restoration after construction, a common resident complaint. A Pavlov representative stated that they perform a rough restoration within 48 hours and return for a final restoration after the ground has settled.

Pavlov Media plans to submit its first permit applications within the next few weeks to begin the process.