The Illinois Broadband Lab is proud to partner with the Illinois Office of Broadband to establish a statewide Digital Navigator Corp.

What is a Digital Navigator?

“Digital navigators are trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices. Digital navigation services include ongoing assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support.”
~National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)

Did you know? According to the Illinois State Digital Equity Plan,

  • Over 20% of Illinois households do not have a desktop or laptop computer in their home. Digital Navigators can support families with finding low-cost/free devices.
  • 11% of Illinoisians have difficulty completing certain tasks related to the internet. Digital Navigators provide needed and relevant digital skills training to communities.
  • 1.3M Illinois residents do not have high-speed internet in their homes. Access and affordability are the major reasons. Digital Navigators can assist residents with finding the best solution for their household.

The Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL) will be placing Digital Navigators across the state to serve with non-profits, community-based organizations and university partners to deliver these and more critical digital inclusion programs to their respective communities.

Stay connected with us to get real-time updates about the incoming Digital Navigators arriving to service later this Fall. Your organization will have the opportunity to make requests to have a Digital Navigator bring services to your community.

For more information, please contact IBL’s Digital Navigator Program Director – Aneta Thomas Lee at atl@illinois.edu.