Internet provider Astound has broken ground on a $34 million project to build a high-speed fiber-optic network across Orland Park and surrounding areas, aiming to bring faster internet access to more than 19,000 homes and nearly 4,000 businesses over the next two years.
Construction began earlier this year on the company’s 285-mile underground fiber system — Astound’s first fully underground build in the Chicago region. The rollout will begin delivering service to residents in August, with 10,000 homes expected to come online by the end of 2025 and full coverage completed by the close of 2026.
“Orland Park is a vibrant community whose residents deserve access to the highest levels of reliable connectivity and support that Astound’s growing fiber network provides,” said Joe Bell, Astound VP and General Manager for Illinois and Indiana. “At the same time, we have deliberately engineered this project to be completely underground, reducing construction disruptions for the community and most importantly, providing the area with a fiber network that delivers an exceptional customer experience.”
The project is entirely funded by Astound and will be built in five geographic zones. Crews have already finished several miles of the underground installation.
Bell said a team of about 50 have already completed work in two of the zones and work is underway in the third. Service will start being offered next month, he said.
Once operational, the network will offer symmetrical speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second, allowing faster uploads and downloads — a benefit for remote workers, content creators and households with multiple connected devices. The service will include the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology.
Bell said when complete, Astound will offer internet, Wi-Fi, mobile, TV including DirecTV, and fiber-optic solutions.
“Astound is making a significant investment in Orland Park to improve connectivity where we live, work, and play,” said Dan McMillan, president of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to their expanded presence in our community, as adding such a substantial base of fiber optic infrastructure stands to benefit our residents and businesses alike.”
The Orland Park expansion follows a similar build in nearby Blue Island, which began in 2023. In total, Astound has committed $58 million to extending its fiber footprint across the southwest suburbs, with 663 miles of fiber planned across both communities and nearby areas.
Astound plans to staff a kiosk at Orland Square Mall on weekends in July, August and September for residents with questions about the company.
Bell said the company selected Orland Park because of its demographics. “We were impressed with Orland Park,” he said. “Orland Park seemed like a perfect place.”
He said local leaders were “very welcoming.”
Bell said Astound is always looking for opportunities but did not indicate any future expansion plans.
Astound serves Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.
Construction updates and service information are available at www.astound.com/orlandpark.