Williamson County telephone service is provided by Verizon, with long distance provided by numerous national and local carriers. Over 25 companies offer computer users high-speed internet access via broadband, wireless, T-1 and other recent technologies.   Clearwave, EarthLink, Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T are among the carriers serving Williamson County. Connect SI is a regional intiative built upon broadband connectivity, with the concept that dispersed assets can be connected to make southern Illinois a driving force in the world economy.