Building Broadband Capacity in Illinois
GrantID: 6049
Grant Funding Amount Low: $75,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $75,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Capacity Gaps in Community Broadband Expansion in Illinois
Illinois faces significant capacity gaps in high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved communities. Despite being home to numerous urban centers like Chicago, many rural areas in Illinois experience insufficient broadband infrastructure, which limits educational opportunities and economic growth. According to the 2020 FCC Broadband Deployment Report, over 1.2 million Illinois residents, primarily in rural regions, lack access to the minimum broadband speeds that support effective remote learning and telework, emphasizing the urgent need for expansions in this area.
Local stakeholders impacted by these capacity gaps include educational institutions, small business owners, and residents in rural areas who rely on internet access for both work and school. Students in these regions often struggle to complete assignments due to unreliable internet service, while businesses face challenges in marketing and operating efficiently without high-speed connectivity. These barriers ultimately hinder community development and innovation across the state.
The funding aimed at expanding community broadband is designed to address these pressing capacity gaps by facilitating infrastructure improvements in underserved areas. This initiative will provide financial resources to local governments and internet service providers willing to collaborate and invest in the expansion of broadband access. Through these partnerships, the implementation process will take into account the unique needs of each community, ensuring that the infrastructure developed meets local requirements.
Furthermore, the implementation approach will prioritize areas showing the greatest need for broadband access and capacity improvement, focusing on equitable solutions that leave no community behind. By funding these expansions, Illinois aims to bridge the digital divide and create sustainable economic opportunities, ultimately leading to a more well-connected state.
In contrast to its neighboring states, Illinois's grant initiative will prioritize collaboration between government entities and private sector providers to maximize resources and impact. This strategic focus on comprehensive infrastructure development will help position Illinois as a leader in broadband accessibility while supporting the ongoing digital transformation of its communities.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
