Ultra-high speed internet coming to Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ultra-high speed internet is coming to Chicago.

Thursday morning Mayor Emanuel will announce the next step in the city's "Broadband Challenge."

Chicago is seeking a qualified company to develop a low-priced gigabit-speed broadband network for small businesses, universities and other organizations located in seven innovation zones across the city: The Loop, the West Loop, River North, University of Chicago and Medical Center, IIT/Bronzeville, Pullman Industrial Corridor and Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.

Gigabit speed broadband is 1,000 times faster than standard internet service.