The Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB) is launching a comprehensive local coordination effort to gather input for the State’s plan for investing federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) programs (see resources section for more information on BEAD and DE).

Today there are at least 200,000 Illinois households without high-speed internet infrastructure, and at least 1.1 million Illinois households without a desktop or laptop computer. The funding programs provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to get every Illinoisan—from those living on remote country roads to those living in under-resourced urban neighborhoods—connected to the economic and social benefits available through high-speed internet. To do so, we need to gather input from all broadband stakeholders.

Specifically, we want to:

  • Describe the opportunity presented by the historic federal funding
  • Understand the experiences and perspectives of Illinoisans to inform strategic BEAD and DE plans
  • Share details of the Illinois Broadband Lab’s work so far and plans for the future
  • Empower existing partners and grow new partnerships with stakeholders who are committed to expanding broadband access and increasing digital equity
  • Build long-term capacity for all impacted communities and key stakeholders

Get involved

Do you or your family face challenges getting internet connectivity in your home? Could you or your family use support with devices and digital skills?

We are working to include local stakeholders in the planning process for federal funds so that the plan for Illinois reflects the needs and priorities of communities. To this end, we have a variety of opportunities to engage with you and hear from you. Please check back regularly as we will add dates and times for listening sessions and webinars.

Here are ways to get involved:

In-Person Listening Sessions

Voice your broadband concerns and needs, and share barriers to broadband access within your communities. Please register for sessions by clicking the button next to your region. However, registration is not required to attend if you would like to remain anonymous.

Additional details will be added as dates and locations are finalized.

Virtual Listening Sessions

Sessions will be held virtually to accommodate people who may not be able to join in-person events.

  • Southwest region – March 15
    • Local government officials – 1-1:45 p.m.
  • Statewide: Virtual Listening Session for Residents (in English) – May 4 6-7 p.m.
    • Residents (in English) | RSVP
  • Statewide: Virtual Listening Session for ISPs and Businesses – May 5 12-1 p.m.
      • ISPs and Businesses | RSVP
  • Statewide: Virtual Listening Session for Nonprofits – May 9 3-4 p.m.
  • Statewide: Virtual Listening Session for Residents (in Spanish) – May 23 6-7 p.m.
    • Residents (in Spanish) | RSVP

Survey

Newsletter

Bi-weekly updates on the outreach efforts across the state and Illinois’s BEAD and DE plan submission progress.

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Additional Resources

BEAD/DE Updates