Mokena residents may soon have another choice for high-speed internet service, as Champaign-based Pavlov Media has announced its intent to build a fiber optic network throughout the village.

Mark Sheldon, Vice President of Government Relations for the company, addressed the Village Board on July 14 to introduce the firm and outline its plans.

“We feel like you are underserved for high-speed internet, that you deserve better than the options that you have, and we want to be one of those options,” Sheldon told the board.

Pavlov Media, a 30-year-old company registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission as a competitive local exchange carrier, has recently expanded its fiber network into several other Will and Kankakee county communities, including Manteno, Peotone, Bradley, and Bourbonnais. The company is currently working in Monee and getting permits in Frankfort.

Sheldon explained that as a registered telephone company, Pavlov Media has the right to construct its infrastructure within public utility rights-of-way. He assured the board that the company is familiar with the village’s ordinances, which are based on the Illinois Municipal League model used by many of the other towns where Pavlov has recently built.

“Having a safe construction process with the fewest number of inconveniences for your staff and your residents is really the most important part of this whole process, and we stand here ready to do that and work with you,” Sheldon said, directing officials to the company’s construction principles outlined in a provided brochure.

Mayor George J. Metanias directed Sheldon to continue working with village staff to move the process forward.